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Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month


April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, a time dedicated to educating the public and promoting understanding of the challenges faced by individuals living with limb loss or congenital limb differences while celebrating their resilience and achievements. By sharing stories, supporting research, and raising public consciousness, we can inspire greater access to healthcare resources, promote inclusion in all aspects of life, and help empower individuals to live full and active lives. Further, this month offers an opportunity to advocate for improved policies, funding for medical research, and better educational opportunities for those affected.

To mark this month, we are proud to shine a light on our Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation team and their work advancing care for individuals with limb loss and limb differences. Their comprehensive approach includes specialized clinics providing expert care in prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological support. Our team’s multidisciplinary approach includes medical experts, social workers, and support groups, ensuring a holistic approach to patient care. They work collaboratively with their patients and are dedicated to helping them regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Ultimately, with the proper support, education, and resources, individuals with limb loss and limb differences can lead successful, fulfilling lives – and with greater understanding and awareness, society as a whole can move towards a more inclusive and compassionate future.

2025 Residency Match Results


Introducing our newest class of outstanding Orthopedic Surgery and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation residents.

Congratulations and welcome to the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation family!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kristyn Hare, PA, receives ISCD Clinician of the Year Award


The International Society for Clinical Densiometry (ISCD) presented Kristyn Hare, PA, with the 2024 ISCD Clinician of the Year Award. This honor is given to “an outstanding clinician for distinguished service to the field of densitometry in the areas of publication, education or leadership.” Kristyn received this award last month at the ISCD Annual Conference on Skeletal Assessment in Boston, MA. One of our outstanding physician assistants and a clinical densitometrist, Kristyn has a special interest in bone health and the treatment of osteoporosis.

 

Reflecting on 2024 – and plans for the year ahead


Tamara Scerpella, MD
AA McBeath Distinguished Professor | Chair, Department of Orthopedics & Rehabilitation | Chief, Division of Sports Medicine
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
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As I reflect on the collective accomplishments of our department over the past year, I am struck by the progress we have made toward our shared vision to build excellence and distinction in clinical outcomes, translatable research, and graduate training programs that result in local, regional and national prominence. I am incredibly proud of our team’s commitment to advancing orthopedic surgery and rehabilitative medicine, and I am excited to share highlights of our department members’ numerous achievements during 2024 – as well as a glimpse of what to look forward to in 2025.


Clinical Excellence

We welcomed nine of the best and brightest physician specialists to our team in 2024. These additions bring our total faculty to 42 orthopedic and 14 rehabilitation medicine specialists, preparing us to meet the ever-growing needs of our patients in Dane County, Wisconsin, and the region as we enter 2025. We will continue to recruit surgeons, non-operative orthopedic specialists, pain medicine proceduralists and inpatient rehabilitation specialists over the coming year.

Our faculty contribute to the excellent patient care provided at a number of locations, including UW Health’s University Hospital, consistently ranked as the #1 hospital in Wisconsin and among the top 50 hospitals in the United States for orthopedic care by U.S. News & World Report. The UW Health Rehabilitation Hospital, where our faculty oversee the care of post-acute accident, stroke, burn, and other injuries, was ranked in the top ten percent of rehabilitation hospitals nationwide by healthcare software company Netsmart Technologies. These accolades reflect both our affiliated hospitals’ exceptional patient care and the skill and dedication of our department’s faculty physicians, advanced practice providers and resident trainees.

Innovative Research Initiatives

Our faculty researchers remain at the forefront of groundbreaking research in stem cell and regenerative medicine, sports-related concussion management, tendon healing, joint biomechanics, and more. With over 9,000 square feet of state-of-the-art research facilities, including the Orthopedic Research Laboratories and Badger Athletic Performance Labs, our researchers are developing innovative treatments to improve patient outcomes.

Key research highlights from 2024 include receiving a five-year NIH RO1 grant awarded to UW orthopedic surgeon Kenneth Noonan, MD, and Chris Brace, PhD, to develop a novel treatment for pediatric limb-length discrepancy (LLD). Their research holds the potential to transform the treatment of LLD in children by providing an exciting alternative to traditional surgical procedures that would improve the lives of young patients with this challenging medical condition.

Our Badger Athletic Performance (BAP) program, led by Bryan Heiderscheit, PT, PhD, continues to enhance the performance, safety and recovery of more than 800 Badger athletes. In addition, BAP has partnered with the NBA to study patellar tendon injury and the NFL to study hamstring injury and sport-related concussion. Applying knowledge gained through over a decade of BAP research, Dr. Heiderscheit’s innovative and effective approach to musculoskeletal injury prevention and recovery has drawn the attention of professional teams from across the globe and in our own backyard – as consultant to the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Bucks. While professional athletes travel to BAP for individual consultation, testing and training protocols developed at BAP are implemented in training centers across the country.

We were thrilled when UW Orthopedics and Rehabilitation scientist Timothy McGuine, PhD – nationally recognized for his contributions to sports medicine research – was named the recipient of the 2024 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Research: Independent Investigator. I am grateful for Tim’s decades-long practical and translatable contributions to sports medicine research and can think of no one more deserving of this honor.

We look forward to many research developments in 2025 – among them is the launch of Forward Ortho, an innovative program led by William Murphy, PhD, focused on transforming novel orthopedic technologies into groundbreaking start-up companies that will accelerate healthcare solutions.

Education Highlights

We have a strong reputation for training well-rounded clinicians through comprehensive residency and fellowship programs. With a history spanning over 65 years, the Department has successfully trained numerous physicians who have become leaders in their respective fields. We plan an expansion of both Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine residency training programs this year – bringing the orthopedic surgery complement to seven residents each year and the rehabilitation medicine complement to four residents per year. In addition, we will add a second orthopedic sports medicine fellow in the coming year.

When hand and upper extremity surgeon Neil Salyapongse, MD, joined our faculty in 2024, we gained an outstanding physician and academician – and a Vice Chair for Education. Here are a few of the new programs Dr. Salyapongse is spearheading:

Enhancement to our Simulation Education
A faculty workgroup has been assessing the modules available in our virtual reality platform to determine how best to educate early-year residents in surgical procedures ranging from arthroplasty to sports medicine to trauma. Using a select set of training modules, we hope to demonstrate earlier readiness for autonomy in the OR.

Orthopedics/Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation combined Grand Rounds
In keeping with the spirit of the Department as a cohesive whole, we are developing a series of department-wide Grand Rounds on topics that combine interests and expertise across both Orthopedic and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialties. Nathan Rudin, MD, will lead off by sharing his expertise in hypermobility disorders.

Medical Student Education
The orthopedic clinical rotations have long been housed within the Department of Surgery due to our roots as a division of that department. We will formally assume responsibility for the rotations this coming year, allowing us to offer students a more uniform educational experience regardless of their subspecialty assignment.

A Commitment to Global Surgery

Continuing to demonstrate their longstanding commitment to excellent patient care across the global community, members of our orthopedic surgery team traveled to the far reaches of our world, performing surgery and providing training far beyond our borders:

Last year, Dr. Paul Whiting completed his fourth trip to Kenya, accompanied by orthopedic surgery residents Drs. Zachary French and Richard Behlmer. Their work was presented to the Department at a Grand Rounds session, detailing the broad impact of this visit on the education of surgeon colleagues in Kenya and our own participating residents. Dr. Kenneth Noonan returned this month, accompanied by Dr. French, for his (approximately) 15th visit to Honduras. Dr. Neil Salyapongse will return later this month for his fourth trip to Nepal, where he works alongside Orthopedic faculty at the only Hand Fellowship program in the country. He has had the pleasure of working with the fellowship since its inception and remains in frequent contact throughout the year with the graduates and faculty in the program. Our goal is to have a resident accompany him next cycle.

Advancing Gender Diversity in Orthopedic Surgery

The Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation at UW–Madison continues to address the long-standing gender imbalance in orthopedic surgery. Recognizing that women are historically underrepresented in the field, the Department has actively fostered an inclusive culture by mentoring female residents, faculty, and staff and prioritizing diversity in recruitment and leadership development.

In recent years, the Department has increased the proportion of female residents and faculty members, creating a more representative and supportive environment for women in orthopedics. We currently boast an orthopedic surgery faculty that is 25% female and an orthopedic residency cohort that is 30% female. Programs such as mentorship initiatives and professional development workshops have empowered our female clinicians and researchers to thrive in a traditionally male-dominated specialty. Additionally, the Department has partnered with organizations such as the Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society and Perry Initiative, which aim to inspire and support women pursuing careers in orthopedics.

By championing gender diversity, the Department is shaping a more equitable future for the field while enhancing the quality of care through diverse perspectives and experiences.

Philanthropy’s Impact on our Mission

Last fall, the Department reached a significant milestone when we successfully established the first-ever sports medicine endowed professorship, in honor of Dr. Bill Clancy, who founded our sports medicine program in the 1970s. This achievement, spurred by a matching opportunity from the Shapiro Foundation, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to advancing sports medicine education and research. Further, it is a testament to the support and passion of the many individuals who helped make this professorship a reality.

In 2025, we will continue to prioritize our mission. Led by Brandi Funk, our Advancement Manager, we intend to strengthen our Annual Fund for Orthopedic Innovation, which provides our Department with flexible and nimble funds needed for time-sensitive efforts and strategic and innovative collaborations. We’ll build upon our strong dedication to Education, with the fresh vision and leadership of our inaugural Vice Chair for Education, Dr. Neil Salyapongse. Finally, we intend to shine a bright light on Badger Athletic Performance Labs under the guidance of Dr. Bryan Heiderscheit. He and his team continue to thrive and connect with athletes, industry partners, researchers, and innovators here at home, nationally and internationally.

If you have any questions or thoughts about how you’d like to join us in these important development efforts with a philanthropic gift, please reach out directly to our Advancement Manager, Brandi Funk, funk@ortho.wisc.edu.


As we move into 2025, the momentum built over the past year positions us for even greater success. Our department continues to push the boundaries of clinical excellence, research innovation, education, and global impact. With the addition of talented faculty and groundbreaking research initiatives, we are well-equipped to meet the challenges ahead and to enhance patient care both locally and globally. Thank you to our dedicated faculty, staff, residents, and partners for your hard work and unwavering support – together, we will build on our legacy of excellence. I am excited for our future!

mRNA-activated blood clots could cushion the blow of osteoarthritis


Written by Tom Ziemer

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers have developed a promising technique for treating osteoarthritis using therapeutic blood clots activated by messenger RNA.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting roughly 33 million adults in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It occurs when cartilage in key joints like the knees and hips deteriorates, causing pain and stiffness and impeding mobility.

Photo by Joel Hallberg

In a paper in the journal Bioactive Materials published online in December 2024, the UW-Madison research team led by William Murphy,PhD, a professor of biomedical engineering and orthopedics and rehabilitation, details its new approach. With further development, it could one day offer a more effective option than treatments such as steroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections or even joint replacement surgeries.

“The best-case scenario is that this could be an injectable or implantable treatment for patients who have advanced osteoarthritis,” says Murphy. “This would be an alternative to the existing methods for treatment, which generally don’t show a high level of long-term success.”

Following the lead of his lab’s previous work on mRNA-based vaccines, therapies for spinal cord injuries and more, the method relies upon mineral-coated microparticles to deliver mRNA that encodes for production of a protein that supports cartilage formation.

First, the team takes bone marrow aspirate (liquid bone marrow) and peripheral blood samples from a patient, mixes in the microparticles, and then forms the mixture into a blood clot. Then, the mRNA-activated clot gets delivered to the site of the damage.

“This all happens in the same surgery,” says Murphy, whose lab specializes in therapies that leverage biologically inspired materials. “This is all intra-operative, and it uses materials derived from the patient.”

Whereas existing treatments such as arthroscopic chondroplasties can lead to the formation of fresh fibrocartilage tissue, that material doesn’t boast the same mechanical properties of joint cartilage. It also degrades more quickly. Unlike traditional tissue engineering approaches, however, the new method doesn’t require the use of a synthetic scaffold material upon which to grow cells.

After seeing success in rabbit models, the group will test its treatment strategy in a larger animal model before proceeding toward human clinical trials.

Murphy says his group is also exploring the same approach to treat large skeletal muscle and bone defects.

William Murphy is the Harvey D. Spangler Professor of biomedical engineering and orthopedics and rehabilitation, as well as an H.I. Romnes Faculty Fellow and director of the Forward BIO Institute. Other UW-Madison authors on the paper include Brett Nemke, a research program manager in the School of Veterinary Medicine; Wan-Ju Li, an associate professor of biomedical engineering and orthopedics and rehabilitation; Mark Markel, a professor of medical sciences in the School of Veterinary Medicine; Yan Lu, a scientist in the School of Veterinary Medicine; Connie Chamberlain, a former scientist in the Murphy lab and current scientist in the Department of Surgery; Jae-Sung Lee, a former scientist in the Murphy lab and now an assistant professor at the University of Minnesota; Gianluca Fontana, a former scientist in the Murphy lab; MD-PhD student Joshua Choe; Hongli Jiao, an assistant scientist in Wan-Ju Li’s lab; and Michael Nelson and Margot Amitrano, graduate students in biomedical engineering.

Funding for the research came from a private gift from the Shannon family in support of the Musculoskeletal Regeneration Partnership, the National Institute on Aging (award number F30AG077748), and the UW-Madison Medical Scientist Training Program.


This story originally appeared on Engineering.wisc.edu