OHSU’s Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation research programs advance musculoskeletal care through basic and translational science, clinical trials, and epidemiology and outcomes research. Our investigators collaborate across OHSU and partner institutions to study the biologic and genetic mechanisms of disease, develop innovative therapies and technologies, evaluate new treatments through clinical research, and improve patient outcomes through population-based and outcomes-focused investigations.

Basic and translational science

Our department collaborates with investigators in basic and translational science laboratories at OHSU, Oregon State University, and the University of Oregon. These partnerships span Biomedical Engineering, the Knight Cancer Institute, and Pediatric Hematology and Oncology and support research in tissue engineering, molecular genetics, extracellular matrix biochemistry, biomechanical testing, and drug discovery aimed at improving patient care.

Through these collaborations, investigators study the biologic mechanisms of musculoskeletal disease and develop new approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Ongoing research includes the use of patient-derived sarcoma tissue models to evaluate drug sensitivity and identify potential therapeutic targets, helping advance precision medicine approaches for patients with cancer, building predictive models to risk-stratify patients for trauma-related complication, and engineering human muscle-derived extracellular matrix scaffolds for tissue regeneration.

Clinical trials

We conduct a broad portfolio of clinical trials across orthopaedic subspecialties. Our studies include industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated research, with many conducted through multicenter and international collaborations. As a lead site for numerous multicenter studies, our department helps advance new treatments, devices, and technologies through randomized controlled trials, device studies, therapeutic interventions, drug trials, and first-in-human investigations. Our research spans adult reconstruction, sports medicine, orthopaedic oncology, pediatric orthopaedics, foot and ankle surgery, and many other areas of musculoskeletal care.

Epidemiology and outcomes research

Our investigators conduct epidemiology and outcomes research using retrospective chart reviews, patient-reported outcomes, and large clinical datasets. These studies evaluate risk factors, treatment effectiveness, implant performance, quality of life, and long-term outcomes across a wide spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions. The knowledge gained from this research helps guide evidence-based orthopaedic care and improve patient outcomes.

Research staff

Our research assistants and associates support research across a variety of orthopaedic subspecialties. Their work contributes to the advancement of orthopaedic knowledge and to the sharing of these learnings through publication of the research.