Tendon to Bone Healing

Principle Investigator

Scott Rodeo, MD

Scope

My laboratory is currently investigating the role of mechanical loading on tendon-to-bone healing. We are using a rat model of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the knee where we precisely control the mechanical loading on the healing tendon graft postoperatively. Healing is assessed using histologic, radiographic, and biomechanical outcome measures.

The student will be involved in all facets of the project, 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.

Contact

Scott Rodeo, MD
email: rodeos@hss.edu