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. This laboratory uses both direct testing and theoretical modeling to examine effects of bone blood flow on fracture healing, remodeling of bone after total joint replacement and mechanical and hormonal effects on bone remodeling.