cartilage

Studying gene activity in tissue removed from injured knees, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found that genes related to obesity and aging may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis, the most common knee disorder and the most common disorder in all of the joints.

Surgeons and rehabilitation specialists concentrate on the anatomical and mechanical aspects, but Linda Sandell, PhD, looks at the biology behind arthritis, broken bones and cartilage tears.The Mildred B. Simon Professor and director of research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery says there are a number of opportunities to apply biology to orthopaedic problems.  

Surgeons cut and reposition hip bones to reduce pain.When an older person has a hip problem, surgeons often replace the damaged hip with an artificial one. But that’s not a good option for someone in their 20s or 30s, so orthopaedic surgeons at the School of Medicine are repairing damage to the hip to prevent arthritis without having to replace the hip joint.