Research

The Duke Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through research excellence. Our work spans basic science, clinical studies, and population health—transforming discoveries into better care worldwide.

Our research community brings together faculty, clinicians, and trainees from orthopaedics, physical therapy, and occupational therapy, fostering collaboration across Duke’s world-class institutes and core facilities.

Key initiatives include specialty research seminars, a Clinical Research Unit partnering with the Duke Clinical Research Institute for large-scale trials, and access to advanced resources, including mechanical testing, histology, imaging, and the K-Lab for motion analysis.

Together, we are driving innovation in musculoskeletal science and shaping the future of patient care.

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Discovery and Translational Science Research Groups

Sam AdamsBen AlmanGurpreet Baht
Todd CadeJoe ChakkalakalMalcolm DeBaun
Lou DeFrateWill EwardLeonardo Ferreira
Matt HiltonShihuan KuangNeill Li
Amy McNultySteven OlsonThorsten Seyler
Shyni VargheseJulia VisgaussColleen Wu

Clinical, Epidemiology, and Implementation Research Groups

Research Leadership Team

Laszlo Ormandy Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery; Research Division Chief
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery; Director of Clinical Facilitation Research; Director, Duke Center of Excellence in Manual and Manipulative Therapy
Laszlo Ormandy Distinguished Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery; Vice Chair, Biomechanics, Movement, and Imaging Research
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery; Interim Division Chief and Vice Chair for Research
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery; Vice Chair, Clinical Research and Epidemiology
Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery; Associate Chair, Research, Basic and Transitional Science
Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery; Director, Clinical Research Unit