The UAMS Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is committed to advancing musculoskeletal health through interdisciplinary and collaborative basic, translational, and clinical research programs that aim to expand scientific knowledge and propel the development of new and better ways to get our patients better and back to life faster.
Advancing Care through Research and Innovation
Scientific investigations are vital to improving the care for people with musculoskeletal diseases and disorders. The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery includes a robust research program that brings together an internationally recognized network of scientists—from across the University and at partner institutions—to elucidate mechanisms of pathogenesis of musculoskeletal disease, create innovative technology for cutting-edge musculoskeletal research, and develop novel strategies to improve the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal conditions.
While discovery is at the heart of what the scientists do, they are also focused on translating their findings into clinical solutions for patients in need of orthopaedic care. Those efforts are bolstered by the involvement of practicing surgeons who aim to develop new treatment strategies and diagnostic tools that can improve pain and function, leading to better outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal conditions and diseases.
Meet the Scientists
Our faculty includes researchers in orthopaedic surgery, physiology and cell biology, endocrinology and metabolism, biomechanical and biomedical engineering, and other specialties who are working to create and disseminate new knowledge that will ultimately translate into novel discoveries and improved care for patients in the future.
Research Faculty
Hip and Knee Surgery Research All-Stars
We are proud to announce our inclusion as one of the Hip and Knee Surgery Research All-Stars for 2024. This honor is in recognition of the quantity and quality of the healthcare research authored and published by our surgeons.
The Healthcare Research All-Star lists are compiled by Avant-garde Health and include only the top 5% of hospitals and surgeons publishing leading-edge research in Hip and Knee care. UAMS Hip and Knee Joint Replacement Surgeons C. Lowry Barnes, M.D., Jeffrey Stambough, M.D., and Benjamin Stronach, M.D. are among the top 5% of Hip and Knee Surgeons named as Research All-Stars for 2024 based on publication volume, journal impact factor, and author position.
Delivering Innovation for Impact
UAMS orthopaedic hand surgeons John Bracey, M.D. and Mark Tait, M.D. along with neurosurgeon Erica Petersen, M.D. implant innovative device to restore sense of touch after amputation.
The first Arkansan and only second person in the world has received an innovative prosthetic hand, developed by researchers at the Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research (I³R), that restores a meaningful sense of touch and grip force following surgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
Musculoskeletal Research Hub
Musculoskeletal (MSK) health and disease is a signature research area for which UAMS is nationally and internationally recognized. The Musculoskeletal Research Hub is an initiative to increase translational research between UAMS, U of A Fayetteville, and Arkansas Children’s Nutrition Center.