Current Research Projects

A mechanistic approach to preventing atrophy and restoring function in older adults.

Hans Dreyer, PhD (PI); Brian A. Jewett, MD; Brick A. Lantz, MD; Steven N. Shah, MD; Craig G. Mohler, MD; Anita Christie, PhD; Li-Shan Chou, PhD.

University of Oregon Department of Human Physiology

R01 National Institute of Aging

May 2014 - February 2020

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery is primarily performed on older adults and results in significant muscle atrophy in the operative and non-operative thigh (quadriceps and hamstrings), which compromises balance, impairs functional mobility, and dramatically increases the risk of falls and related injuries. For older adults, muscle atrophy occurring during periods of inactivity or following surgery may be more difficult to recover. The purpose of this study is to determine mechanisms by which essential amino acid supplementation before and after surgery acts on muscle protein synthesis, and determine whether decreased muscle atrophy, weakness and functioning after supplementation persists at six months and one year post-operatively.

Examining the association between patient activation and cost, utilization, and outcomes among patients with common orthopedic conditions.

Erin Owen, MPH; Jason Tavakolian, MD; Jeff Luck, PhD; Jangho Yoon, PhD; Viktor Bovbjerg, PhD

Oregon State University College of Public Health & Human Sciences

Slocum Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

June 2014 – December 2017

Patients need to have the knowledge, skills and confidence to understand their own role in the care plan. A short assessment tool, called the patient activation measure (PAM), has been piloted in various care settings. The PAM score has been demonstrated to predict health-related outcomes and behaviors, particularly in older populations with chronic diseases. Our goal is to implement administration of a pre-operative PAM assessment in adults with distal radius fractures, and those electing to have a total knee replacement. The proposed project has the potential result in better, individually tailored, patient-centered care, improve health-related outcomes, and as a result, lower costs across the system.

Redefining “value” in the treatment of distal radius fractures.

Jason Tavakolian, MD; Erin Owen, MPH

Oregon State University College of Public Health & Human Sciences; the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care

Slocum Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

Planning stage

Distal radius fractures account for nearly one-fifth of all fractures in the United States. There exists debate regarding the treatment of closed fractures – cast or surgical intervention? Yet, currently published studies on patient-reported outcomes suggest variability in “success” following intervention has not been fully described using currently available tools. To better define what patients value in distal radius fracture treatment and rehabilitation, we will form a patient and family advisory committee to redefine the value equation.

Prospective observational study: Dynamic stabilization of humeral shaft fractures using Active Plating technology.

Michael Bottlang, PhD & Steven Madey, MD; Legacy Health, Legacy Biomechanics Laboratory.

Daniel Fitzpatrick, MD, MS & Daniel Sheerin, MD; Slocum Orthopedics

Legacy Biomechanics Laboratory, Portland, OR

Slocum Center for Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

2016 - 2018

The Active Locking Plate study will document fracture healing and implant performance for stabilization of humeral shaft fractures.

Multi-center ACL revision study (MARS)

Brick Lantz, MD and Rudolf Hoellrich, MD

MARS investigator group; Vanderbilt University, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

2008 – current

The purpose of this study is to determine the effects of modifiable risk factors on patient-reported quality of life, physical activity levels, and risk of early osteoarthritis following revision anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

The investigators hypothesize that modifiable variables exist at the time of revision ACL reconstruction (e.g., cause of failure, current graft source and type, surgical exposure, and femoral and tibial tunnel position) which will be predictors of patient-reported outcomes.

Outcomes of Shoulder Arthroplasty Using a DePuy Total or Hemi Shoulder System

Rudolf G. Hoellrich, MD

DePuy Synthes

2019 - 2021

Evaluate the clinical outcomes of a series of DePuy total and hemi arthroplasty shoulder replacements and revisions using clincial and radiographic data.