Research
Basic Science
UNC-Chapel Hill is one of the nation’s leading research universities, and the Department of Orthopaedics leverages this exceptional research environment to advance understanding of musculoskeletal health and disease. Through collaborations with leading researchers across UNC and beyond, our physician-scientists are working to develop new approaches to preventing, diagnosing and treating orthopaedic conditions and translating discoveries from the laboratory into improved patient care.
The Department has strong research collaborations with UNC Rheumatology and the Thurston Arthritis Research Center, UNC Exercise and Sport Science, the UNC Division of Physical Therapy, the Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering at UNC and N.C. State, and the UNC Department of Pediatrics. These interdisciplinary partnerships provide access to world-class expertise and technologies while fostering innovative research across the spectrum of musculoskeletal health.
Our basic and translational research is further supported by two dedicated research laboratories within the Department. The Hsueh Lab, led by Ming-Feng Hsueh, PhD, investigates the biology of musculoskeletal aging, osteoarthritis and cartilage regeneration. The lab uses advanced approaches including proteomics and molecular and cellular analysis to better understand how joint tissues change with injury, aging and disease, with the goal of identifying new strategies to promote tissue repair and regeneration.
Visit the Hsueh Lab websiteThe MOBIOS Lab, led by Geoffrey Handsfield, PhD, focuses on the biomechanics and imaging of musculoskeletal tissues. Through computational modeling, medical imaging and biomechanical analysis, the lab studies how muscles, bones and other tissues function and adapt to movement, injury and disease. This work brings together orthopaedics and biomedical engineering to develop more personalized approaches to understanding musculoskeletal health and improving patient care.
Together, these research programs create a collaborative environment in which discoveries in biology, biomechanics and engineering can move toward real-world applications for patients.
Visit the MOBIOS Lab websiteClinical Research
UNC Orthopaedics faculty are actively engaged in clinical research designed to improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal conditions. Our researchers investigate new devices and treatments, evaluate clinical outcomes, and study how different interventions affect patients and populations.
Clinical research provides an important connection between our patients and the broader advancement of orthopaedic care. Eligible patients may have opportunities to participate in clinical trials and other research studies, providing access to emerging treatments while contributing to the medical knowledge that will shape the future of musculoskeletal care.
UNC has significant infrastructure to support clinical trials and other forms of clinical research. With dedicated research staff, experienced investigators and strong relationships across the University, the Department is equipped to conduct complex research studies and effectively recruit patients with a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions.
By bringing together basic science, translational research and clinical investigation, UNC Orthopaedics is working to move discoveries from the laboratory to the clinic—and ultimately to improve outcomes for patients.
Contact
If you are a patient, vendor or collaborator interested in participating in clinical research, please contact our research administrative team who will be able to direct your inquiry.
Joe Hart, Ph.D.
Vice Chair of Research
Norfleet-Raney Distinguished Professor
Email: joe_hart@med.unc.edu