Research
About Our Research Programs
Ranked in the top 10 in NIH funding, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery not only offers superb clinical care, but is also on the forefront of developing new therapies and procedures for the benefit of patients here and around the world. The department has a strong focus on developing novel stem cell therapies to enhance cartilage, bone and muscle repair.
Our physicians provide leadership in both basic and clinical research — from testing novel ideas in the laboratory to translating breakthrough approaches into direct patient care. Department faculty are renowned for pioneering advances in the care and treatment of a vast spectrum of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders.
Current Research
Our physicians are focusing on developing stem cell therapies to enhance cartilage and bone repair. Our goal is to develop new treatment regimens that can improve the lives of our patients. Denis Evseenko, MD, PhD, is studying to understand the role of stem cells and small molecules in cartilage. Thomas Lozito, PhD, is using lizard and salamander models to understand the critical elements in limb regeneration.
Featured Publication
Serving as team physicians for USC Trojan athletes and world-class sports teams in Los Angeles, our faculty actively pursue advancements in the science of sports medicine. A recent study by faculty members Seth Gamradt, MD, George F. Rick Hatch III, MD, and James E. Tibone, MD, measured the vitamin D levels of USC Trojans athletes to look for deficiencies in this nutrient that is vital for optimal muscle power, force, velocity and bone mass. The researchers found that, among 223 athletes studied, about one-third had vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency. The results were published in the journal Sports Health.