Collaborations

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke University is dedicated to advancing research and patient care through a robust network of interdisciplinary collaborations.

By fostering dual appointments across various academic and clinical disciplines, we effectively dismantle traditional silos, integrating biological, technological, educational, and clinical perspectives to drive innovation in musculoskeletal health. Our extensive partnerships within the School of Medicine, across Duke University, and the broader community empower us to leverage cross-disciplinary expertise in addressing complex challenges. Committed to redefining the future of orthopaedic care, we prioritize dynamic collaboration in clinical practice, education, and research, ensuring our faculty remains at the forefront of advancements in the field.

Clinical

  • Spine Division: Merges expertise from Orthopaedic Surgery and Neurosurgery, led by Dr. Christopher Shaffrey, a dual-boarded specialist, ensuring comprehensive spine care.

  • Hand Surgery Division: Under the leadership of Dr. David Ruch, this division integrates efforts from Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery to advance hand and upper extremity care through research and education, offering complex interventions unique to the Carolinas.

  • Athletics Support: This program provides extensive coverage for local athletes, including game-day support and injury prevention programs. In 2023, expanded collaboration with Duke Athletics enhanced services like hydration testing and muscle physiology assessments. The revitalized Duke Female Athlete Program focuses on improving care for female athletes through a specialized team.

  • Family Medicine Sports Medicine: This program collaborates with Family and Sports Medicine, integrating faculty into orthopedic clinics for comprehensive patient care that combines general and specialized expertise.

  • Duke Sarcoma Center: This center is part of the Sarcoma Alliance for Research through Collaboration (SARC) and is co-directed by Dr. Brian Brigman and Dr. Richard Riedel. It treats over 2,000 adult and pediatric patients annually and researches to enhance care and improve sarcoma patients' survival rates and quality of life.

Education

The department is characterized by its dynamic, interdisciplinary faculty, many of whom hold dual appointments across various esteemed departments and schools. This collaborative model promotes groundbreaking research, advancing cutting-edge technologies, and comprehensive, patient-centered clinical care. By integrating orthopaedics with fields such as engineering, medicine, and business, the department continually drives innovation and establishes new standards in musculoskeletal health. 

  • Certificate in Theology and Health Care/Occupational Therapy Doctorate: This unique three-year program combines theological insights with occupational therapy training. Students earn a Certificate in Theology and Health Care from Duke Divinity School alongside an OTD, emphasizing compassionate care for individuals facing health challenges.

  • Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD): The OTD program focuses on innovative education, research, and collaboration, preparing graduates for leadership roles in healthcare. It highlights the significance of meaningful occupations for well-being and equips students to meet diverse patient needs through evidence-based practices.

  • Vision Rehabilitation Certificate: This specialized 14-week program trains occupational therapists to assist individuals with vision impairments, including a 350-hour fieldwork experience. Developed by experts at Duke Eye Center, graduates emerge as certified specialists in vision rehabilitation.

  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) Certificate: This certificate equips OTD students with essential business skills and innovation strategies, enabling them to launch practices or develop assistive technologies. It is a collaborative effort between Duke Interdisciplinary Studies and the Fuqua School of Business.

  • Theology and Healthcare Certificate: Available to OTD students, this certificate deepens understanding of the spiritual dimensions of healthcare through courses focused on suffering, ethics, and vocation.

  • Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Summer Discovery Program: This immersive program introduces undergraduates, particularly from underrepresented backgrounds, to physical therapy, providing mentorship and resources to strengthen their applications for DPT programs.

  • ImpACT Program: Collaborating with local high school students, the ImpACT program introduces youth to occupational and physical therapy careers while promoting healthy living through engaging activities.

Research

The department is dedicated to advancing global musculoskeletal care and rehabilitation through innovative research. Our research initiatives span a diverse spectrum, from fundamental science to population studies, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration between clinical and research faculty. This approach ensures that discoveries effectively translate into practical innovations that enhance patient care. We also promote continuous learning in musculoskeletal research through a robust seminar series. Our research faculty often hold secondary appointments in basic science or other fundamental research departments, further enriching our collaborative efforts and expertise.

  • Cell Biology: Partnering with Duke’s Cell Biology department to investigate cellular and molecular mechanisms of bone, joint, and tissue regeneration, advancing tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

  • Divinity School: Collaborating to study participation of individuals with physical disabilities in religious activities, addressing how movement disorders impact engagement in services.

  • Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science: Orthopaedic surgeons work with mechanical engineers to develop stronger biomaterials for joint replacements and refine surgical techniques through biomechanics analysis.

  • Pratt School of Engineering: This partnership fosters innovation in surgical tools and rehabilitation technologies, enhancing patient care and pioneering advancements in orthopaedic surgery, including developing prosthetics and robotic surgical systems.

  • Pediatrics: Pediatric orthopaedic specialists conduct research to improve treatments for musculoskeletal issues in children and ensure age-appropriate care for developmental disorders and injuries.

  • Neurosurgery: Collaboration with Neurosurgery enables a multidisciplinary approach to complex spine and nerve conditions, enhancing surgical techniques and outcomes for musculoskeletal-neurological disorders.

  • Pharmacology & Cancer Biology: Research focuses on molecular pathways in bone and joint cancers, aiming for targeted therapies that minimize side effects in musculoskeletal cancer treatment.

  • Duke Cancer Institute: This partnership advances treatments for orthopaedic-related cancers, integrating surgical, radiation, and chemotherapy interventions for personalized patient care.

  • Duke Molecular Physiology Institute: This institute conducts research on musculoskeletal diseases, including arthritis and bone disorders, focusing on genetics and molecular pathways to improve therapeutic approaches.

  • Duke Regeneration Center: This center collaborates on exploring stem cell therapies and tissue engineering, offering revolutionary regenerative solutions for orthopaedic repair and replacement.

  • Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI): Faculty contribute to large-scale clinical trials, ensuring patients benefit from the latest evidence-based practices and innovative therapies in orthopaedic care.

  • The Fuqua School of Business: Business faculty collaborate to develop models that enhance efficiency and care delivery in orthopaedics while preparing future healthcare leaders.

  • Margolis Center: Faculty work with Margolis Center members on developing and implementing novel payment methods in healthcare.