Tendon to Bone Healing

Investigator

Scott A. Rodeo, MD

Project Description

My laboratory is currently investigating the role of mechanical loading on tendon-to-bone healing. We are using rat and rabbit models of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the knee where we precisely control the mechanical loading on the healing tendon graft postoperatively. We have designed a continuous passive motion device which we use to induce strain on the healing ACL graft. Healing is assessed using histologic, radiographic, and biomechanical outcome measures. We are also developing novel, quantitative MRI techniques to non-invasively evaluate ligament graft healing.
The student will be involved in all facets of the projects including animal surgery, tissue harvest and dissection for histologic evaluation, biomechanical testing, data analysis, and manuscript preparation. This research fellowship will afford the student in-depth exposure to both histologic and biomechanical evaluation of connective tissue healing. The student will also learn basic concepts relating to the biology of tendon graft healing, the role of cytokines and growth factors in that process, and the role of mechanical load on tendon healing.

This Position Has Been Filled.