The overall goal of the research is to facilitate the diagnosis, treatment and repair of damaged joints in disease and following mechanical injury. Degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis and osteonecrosis results in pain and restriction of movement eventually requiring joint replacement. Studies that will provide the scientific basis for improved treatment and maintenance of orthopaedic patients are being carried out in our laboratory at Good Samaritan Hospital.

1. Development and characterization of three dimensional culture system and scaffolds for propagating chondocytes, bone cells and progenitor mesenchymal cells for use in cartilage and bone repair.
2. Regulation of chondrocyte and osteoblast phenotype by biological agents (growth factors, cytokines), pharmacologic agents and mechanical stress.
3. Evaluation of novel biomaterials as potential prosthetic components and their effect on tissue responses in vitro and using animal models.
4. Analysis of the kinematics of hips and knees.
5. Studies on the pathogenesis and treatment of osteonecrosis using animal models.