Musculoskeletal Research
Sarah M. & Charles E. Seay Center for Musculoskeletal Research
The Sarah M. and Charles E. Seay Center for Musculoskeletal Research conducts groundbreaking investigations regarding molecular genetics, bone osteonecrosis and musculoskeletal infections in pediatric orthopedic conditions.
Our research center is approximately 30,000 square feet and integrates the services and knowledge of investigators from various educational backgrounds, such as orthopedic surgery, biomechanical engineering, genetics, statistics, histology, molecular biology and motion analysis. Our state-of-the-art laboratories allow our researchers and medical staff to better understand and define the causes of these complex orthopedic conditions to bring better treatment plans to our patients.
Our research center is approximately 30,000 square feet and integrates the services and knowledge of investigators from various educational backgrounds, such as orthopedic surgery, biomechanical engineering, genetics, statistics, histology, molecular biology and motion analysis. Our state-of-the-art laboratories allow our researchers and medical staff to better understand and define the causes of these complex orthopedic conditions to bring better treatment plans to our patients.
Divisions & Laboratories
Division of Molecular Genetics
Carol A. Wise, Ph.D., Director
Jonathan Rios, Ph.D., Co-director
We use genomic and other laboratory-based methods to define the causes of pediatric musculoskeletal disorders and to design better treatments. Major areas of investigation include:
Jonathan Rios, Ph.D., Co-director
We use genomic and other laboratory-based methods to define the causes of pediatric musculoskeletal disorders and to design better treatments. Major areas of investigation include:
- Developmental Mechanisms of Idiopathic Scoliosis: This program, funded by NICHD P01HD084387, is a collaboration with Dr. Lila Solnica-Krezel, Washington University in St. Louis, and Dr. Nadav Ahituv, University of California, San Francisco.
- Molecular Genetics of Idiopathic Clubfoot: We are leading collaborative, large-scale population-based genomic screens to identify genetic determinants of clubfoot in collaboration with other research groups.
- G.O.O.D. (Genomics of Orthopaedic Disorders) for Kids Program: This program uses state-of-the-art methods to understand targeted rare musculoskeletal disorders at the molecular level. In particular, we study disorders characterized by failure of certain bones to form or repair properly.
Bone Osteonecrosis Research
Harry Kim, M.D., M.S., F.R.C.S.C., Principal Investigator
Our lab is leading the development of new treatment strategies for femoral head osteonecrosis and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease through basic and translational research. Current areas of investigation include:
Our lab is leading the development of new treatment strategies for femoral head osteonecrosis and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease through basic and translational research. Current areas of investigation include:
- Elucidating molecular mechanisms leading to chronic inflammation and poor bone healing response (increased bone resorption and decreased new bone formation) following femoral head osteonecrosis.
- Development of novel tissue engineering methods to recondition and revitalize the necrotic femoral head.
- Determining the efficacy of pharmaceutical agents that block interleukin-6 receptor, toll-like receptor-4 and bone resorption for the treatment of femoral head osteonecrosis.
- Development of advanced MRI for early detection, assessment and follow-up of femoral head osteonecrosis.
Musculoskeletal Infection Research
Lawson Copley, M.D., Principal Investigator
We study the genomic and virulence factors that cause deep and severely debilitating musculoskeletal infections in children. Major areas of investigation include:
We study the genomic and virulence factors that cause deep and severely debilitating musculoskeletal infections in children. Major areas of investigation include:
- Identifying gene expression signatures that correlate with disease severity in children with acute hematogenous osteomyelitis
- Identifying genomic virulence determinants of Staphylococcus aureus
- Leading collaborative studies to establish a mouse model of acute hematogenous osteomyelitis
- Defining the bacterial gene expression patterns during the pathogenesis of the infection
- Investigating cellular effects (hemolysis, neutrophil killing, endothelial uptake or collagen adhesion) of Staphylococcus aureus as a function of virulence capability of the specific isolate
Division of Bioengineering and Biomechanics
The Bioengineering and Biomechanics Division at Scottish Rite for Children focuses on the design and development of innovative solutions that improve pediatric orthopedic care. The research includes simulating biological systems for the development and testing of devices to treat disorders such as scoliosis and limb deformity. Other projects involve the modification and improvement of surgical implants, therapeutic devices and occupational and rehabilitative aids. Resources include a full machine shop and 3D printer.
The department’s efforts have led to more than 16 U.S. patents and significant developments, such as the TSRH® Spinal System and TRUE/LOK™ External Fixation System. Our small but dedicated staff has played a major role in setting the standard for modern orthopedic care.
The department’s efforts have led to more than 16 U.S. patents and significant developments, such as the TSRH® Spinal System and TRUE/LOK™ External Fixation System. Our small but dedicated staff has played a major role in setting the standard for modern orthopedic care.
