Orthopaedic Research

Founded in 1909 as a Division of General Surgery and subsequently named as a separate department of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in 1953, the specialty of Orthopaedic Surgery flourished initially under the direction of Drs. David Silver, Paul Steele, Albert Ferguson, James Herndon and Freddie Fu. Dr. MaCalus Hogan is the current chairman and was awarded the David Silver Chair in orthopaedics. Under Dr. Hogan’s tireless efforts and leadership, Orthopaedic Surgery has continued to grow productively by expanding all the important components of a successful department, including clinical service and care, education, and especially integrated Orthopaedic research.

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is committed to delivering the highest quality of diagnostic and therapeutic patient care to both adults and children for a diverse spectrum of orthopaedic disorders. To this aim, the department seeks to meet the needs of 21st-century orthopaedic care not only by integrating the latest biological and technological advancements in orthopaedic science, but by leading the development of novel treatment modalities through distinguished basic science and clinical research programs.

Through the years, the department has attained a national and international reputation for important contributions to advancing the understanding of orthopaedic diseases. The department's research budget has grown steadily, covering diverse but interrelated areas such as arthritis, cartilage metabolism, the biomechanics of soft tissue, implants, joints, and bones, gene therapy, robotic- and computer-assisted surgery, and spinal deformity.

Today a talented staff of established clinicians and scientists is furthering the department's international standing. Continued expansion of the basic science faculty and development of a large facility for studying biomechanical and developmental aspects of musculoskeletal diseases has made this department one of the premier orthopaedic programs in the country.