Disorders of the musculoskeletal system are responsible for high disability and high cost to society. Along with orthopedic conditions, arthritis is a major activity-limiting condition in the aging population.
Muscle weakness occurs almost simultaneously with bone loss in the elderly.
Muscle weakness increases the risk of falls and fractures. Sundeep Khosla, M.D , Joseph Melton, M.D. , Thomas Spelsberg, Ph.D. , and Michael Jensen, M.D. , are involved in both of these projects. Epidemiological studies assess effects of certain diseases, drugs and lifestyle differences on the incidence of hip-fracture. Along with these established interactive expertise, Kai An, Ph.D. and Russell Turner, Ph.D. , both in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, have active research programs in metabolic bone disease. Dr. An heads the Biomechanics Laboratory in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery.