Musculoskeletal Center of Excellence
The Musculoskeletal Center of Excellence is directed by Dr. David Ayers, Chair, Department of Orthopedics and Dr. Ellen Gravallese, Chief, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine. Drs. Ayers and Gravallese have identified several themes of interest to the Musculoskeletal Center that are in alignment with UMass expertise and priorities. These include:
- Understanding the role of patient attributes and post-operative activity on long-term functional outcome following Total Joint Replacements
- Radiostereometric (RSA) imaging of hip prosthesis and spine function
- Synthetic extracellular matrix analogs for guiding the repair and regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues
- Pathogenetic mechanisms of inflammatory arthritis and mechanisms of joint destruction in arthritis
- Assessing and improving patient’s medication adherence
Dr. Patricia Franklin and Dr. David Ayers are leading a study to evaluate perioperative supports for optimal functional improvement after total knee replacement.
Dr. Jie Song leads a team of scientists developing osteogenic synthetic bone grafts for the repair of musculoskeletal defects.
Dr. Ellen Gravallese’s research interests have focused on focal bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis and the relationship of articular and systemic bone loss.
Dr. Leslie Harrold has a mentored career development award from NIAMS/NIH focused on the assessment and improvement of medication adherence in gout arthritis.