Research

Research Themes | Publications

From a clinical perspective, OREC offers solid support for scientific investigation in the areas of orthopaedic biomechanics, biomaterials and histology, human motion analysis, and rehabilitation engineering. The clinical goal of OREC is to advance the quality of patient care in orthopaedic and rehabilitation medicine.  Learn more below. 

 

Research Themes

 

Histology of bone graft materialBiomaterials & Histology

Biomaterials and Histology research at the Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Engineering Center is led by Dr. Jeffrey Toth, director of OREC's Biomaterials & Histology Laboratory.  Research at BIMA includes the evaluation of bone void fillers and bone graft substitutes, mechanisms and clinical applications of osteoinductive materials, and evaluation of materials for orthopaedic and spine devices.  In addition, OREC's Motion Analysis Laboratories investigate the biomaterial properties of pediatric bone.  

 

Motion Analysis Lab Human Motion Analysis

OREC's affiliative research laboratories—including the Center for Motion Analysis at MCW, the Motion Analysis Center at Shriners and OREC's Motion Analysis Laboratories—conduct human motion analysis studies involving pediatric and adult quantitative motion assessment for the distal extremities, and motion analysis in deformities such as clubfoot and cerebral palsy.

 

3D image of pelvic boneOrthopaedic Biomechanics

Orthopaedic Biomechanics research at the Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Engineering Center is led by Dr. Mei Wang, Director of OREC's Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory.  Dr. Wang and the OBL focus on understanding the impact of disease and injury on biomechanical behaviors of the joints and bones.  In addition, affiliative motion analysis laboratories conduct orthopaedic biomechanics research involving adult and pediatric gait, as well as forces acting upon the distal extremities in health and pathology. 

 

Knee with motion tracking sensorsRehabilitation Engineering

Rehabilitation Engineering efforts of OREC's research laboratories seek new orthopaedic interventions and technologies to restore biomechanical function lost to injury or disease.  Examples include expanding treatment options for individuals suffering from Osteogenesis Imperfecta—a project led by the Motion Analysis Center at Shriners—the development of assistive ambulation devices for children with cerebral palsy, an initiative led by OREC's Motion Analysis Laboratories, as well as evaluation of materials for orthopaedic devices, which is accomplished by OREC's Biomaterials & Histology Laboratory.     

  

Publications

View recent publications from OREC investigators Fritz, Harris, Kruger, Toth, and Wang.

 

View Publications