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Investing in the Future of Orthopedic Medicine

Advancing Orthopedic Care Through Research-Driven Medicine

Better medical care, better outcomes, and better cost efficiency

At OrthoCarolina, research is not separate from patient care—it is embedded in how care is delivered every day. Our physicians actively lead and participate in clinical research that informs treatment decisions, refines surgical techniques, and improves outcomes across every orthopedic specialty.

This research-driven model allows us to bring the latest advancements in musculoskeletal medicine directly to our patients—often faster than traditional care models. From innovative surgical approaches to non-operative therapies and outcomes-based care pathways, our team is continuously working to enhance recovery, reduce complications, and improve long-term mobility.

Through our collaboration with the OrthoCarolina Research Institute (OCRI), we are able to support large-scale clinical trials, multi-center studies, and partnerships with leading healthcare organizations. Together, these efforts ensure that every patient benefits from care shaped by real-world evidence, physician expertise, and a commitment to advancing orthopedic medicine.

Explore Our Research Providers

Faced with losing four limbs, Hawaiian woman finds hope in research

Research Impact by the Numbers

60+

Peer-Reviewed Publications

130+

Physicians Actively Involved in Research

900+

Research Studies & Clinical Trials

35+

Research Partners & Institutions

Areas of Research & Focus

OrthoCarolina physicians participate in a wide range of active research studies across orhtopedic subspecialties. These studies are managed through the OrthoCarolina Research Institute in collaboration with national and international partners.

Soccer Injury
Sports Medicine

OC Sports Medicine physicians are focused on getting each patient back to the highest level of physical activity possible.

Man Rock Climing
Hand & Upper Extremity

Studies designed to improve patient outcomes while our providers gain a richer understanding of the complex hand.

Doctors Working on Ankle
Foot & Ankle

Research conducted by the Foot & Ankle Institute starts with one goal: improve our patient outcomes.

Doctor Checking Spine
Spine

OrthoCarolina Spine research physicians utilize the latest research to provide the best care possible for their patients.

Basketball Player Knee Pain
Hip & Knee

Knee pain is a common orthopedic condition caused by injury, overuse, or degenerative issues like Osteoarthritis, affecting the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons of the joint.

injury
Orthopedic Trauma

Orthopedic trauma refers to serious injuries to the musculoskeletal system—bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, and muscles—caused by accidents, falls, sports injuries, or other high-impact events.

Physician Involvement in Research

David T. Anderson, MD Robert Anderson, MD Michael W. Aversano, MD Malick Bachabi, MD, MS Stephen Barchick, MD Michael Bates, MD Brian K. Brighton, MD, MPH Virginia F. Casey, MD Christopher Chadderdon, MD Christian Clark, MD Bruce E. Cohen, MD Patrick M. Connor, MD William M. Cregar, MD Brian M. Curtin, MD Harlan B. Daubert, MD Kent Ellington, MD, FAAOS Bradley S. Ellison, MD Keith A. Fehring, MD James E. Fleischli, MD Amanda N. Fletcher, MD, MSc Samuel E. Ford, MD Erika Gordan Gantt, MD Ryan M. Garcia, MD

Michael Gart, MD Glenn Gaston, MD Michael Geary, MD Jordan Grier, MD Nady Hamid, MD David J. Howe, MD Todd A. Irwin, MD Charles A. Johnson, MD Josef E. Jolissaint, MD Carroll P. Jones, MD Robert Keller, MD Gregory M. Kurkis, MD Anthony J. Kwon, MD Daniel R. Lewis, MD Barrett A. Little, MD Bryan J. Loeffler, MD David Macknet, MD Roy Alan Majors, MD J. Bohannon Mason, MD John L. Masonis, MD Robert B. McBride, Jr., MD R. Randall McKnight, MD Alden Milam, MD

Robert Morgan, MD Scott B. O'Neal, MD Jesse E. Otero, MD, PhD Michael D. Paloski, DO, MBA Dana P. Piasecki, MD Justin A. Rennard, MD Alfred L. Rhyne, MD Jonathan C. Riboh, M.D. Brian P. Scannell, MD Shadley C. Schiffern, MD Bradley Segebarth, MD Scott Shawen, MD Ronald W. Singer, MD Leo R. Spector, MD, MBA, CEO Rodney J. Stanley, MD Jeremy C. Thompson, M.D. Edward Walker, MD Peter M. Waters, MD, MMSc Durham Weeks III, MD Julie C. Woodside, MD Benjamin M. Wooster, MD

Research Publication & Thought Leadership

OrthoCarolina physicians help shape the future of musculoskeletal medicine through peer-reviewed publications, clinical collaboration, physician education, and ongoing research initiatives. Through partnerships with the OrthoCarolina Research Institute, our team contributes meaningful research that advances patient care locally and nationally.

Explore featured resources below to learn more about our recent publications, physician education programs, and research impact.

Featured Research Resources

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2025 Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications

Browse a comprehensive listing of recent peer-reviewed journal publications authored by OrthoCarolina-affiliated physicians and researchers across orthopedic specialties.

Download Publications Report

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OCRI Physician-Fellow Handbook

Learn more about physician fellowship opportunities, education pathways, and the training environment that supports the next generation of orthopedic specialists.

Download Fellowship Handbook

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OCRI Research Impact Fact Sheet

View key accomplishments, active studies, publications, partnerships, and milestones demonstrating how research is improving orthopedic care.

Download Research Fact Sheet

Research Partners & Collaborations

 
View All Affiliations

Research in Action

Browse Our Research Video Library

OrthoCarolina Research Institute, OrthoCarolina Launch Long-Term Research Project to Curb Opioid Abuse
Exploring Program
Exploring Program: How OrthoCarolina Research Institute Gives Back
OrthoCarolina & OCRI Published Largest Study in Female Distal Bicep Repair to Date
Between the Bones Episode 4: Providing Opioid Alternatives in Orthopedic Surgery with Dr. Hamid
Why research matters: Always improving patient care
Orthopedic research fellows
The Research-Backed Model Powering Better Orthopedic Outcomes at OrthoCarolina
Hand Surgery Research Video
Hand Surgery Research
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What Sets OrthoCarolina Apart: Quality, Accessibility, and Research-Driven Care

OrthoCarolina Research - Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is orthopedic research and why does it matter to patients?

Orthopedic research focuses on improving how musculoskeletal conditions are diagnosed, treated, and managed. For patients, this means access to more effective treatments, safer surgical techniques, and faster recovery times. At OrthoCarolina, research directly informs patient care—ensuring that every treatment plan is based on the latest clinical evidence and proven outcomes.

Q:  How does research improve orthopedic care at OrthoCarolina?

OrthoCarolina physicians actively participate in clinical research and apply those findings in real time. This research-driven approach allows our team to refine surgical techniques, evaluate new therapies, and continuously improve patient outcomes. The result is more personalized, effective care designed to help patients recover faster and return to the activities they love.

Q:  Do OrthoCarolina patients have access to clinical trials?

In many cases, yes. Through our collaboration with the OrthoCarolina Research Institute (OCRI), eligible patients may have access to clinical trials and emerging treatment options. Participation is always voluntary and carefully managed to ensure patient safety and informed decision-making.

Q:  What types of research does OrthoCarolina participate in?

Our physicians are involved in a wide range of research areas, including surgical innovation, orthopedic device evaluation, rehabilitation techniques, outcomes research, and non-surgical treatment advancements. These efforts span specialties such as spine care, joint replacement, sports medicine, and orthopedic trauma.

Q:  What is the OrthoCarolina Research Institute (OCRI)?

The OrthoCarolina Research Institute (OCRI) is a dedicated research organization that supports clinical studies, trials, and collaborative research initiatives. While OCRI provides the infrastructure for research, OrthoCarolina physicians lead and apply these findings in clinical practice to improve patient care.

Q:  Why choose a research-driven orthopedic provider?

Choosing a research-driven provider means your care is guided by the latest medical advancements—not outdated practices. At OrthoCarolina, this commitment to innovation helps ensure better outcomes, fewer complications, and a higher standard of care across every specialty.

OrthoCarolina Research Institute

The OrthoCarolina Research Institute (OCRI) is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing orthopedic science, innovation, and education through high-impact clinical research. Working in close partnership with OrthoCarolina, OCRI provides the research infrastructure, coordination, and collaborative support needed to move new ideas from concept to clinical application.

At the center of this progress are OrthoCarolina’s physicians—specialists who identify real-world patient challenges, pioneer new treatment approaches, lead clinical studies, and help bring meaningful advancements to orthopedic care. Together, OrthoCarolina physicians and OCRI transform frontline clinical expertise into research that improves outcomes, accelerates recovery, and shapes the future of musculoskeletal medicine.

Through this unique partnership, patients benefit from care informed by innovation, evidence, and some of the most experienced orthopedic minds in the region.

Learn More About OCRI