Washington University Orthopedics
Impact report
Clinical Divisions
185K visits, 17K cases, unmatched sub-specialty care. See why patients choose WashU, and how we’re impacting our community.
research
As one of the largest and most well-funded basic orthopaedic science programs in the U.S, we’re defining the future of bone, muscle and joint care.
education
We have a legacy of preparing future orthopedic leaders for success, and we’re changing the face of physicians in the process.
#1
in Missouri for Adult and Pediatric Ortho Care
#10
in U.S. for Pediatric Ortho Care
#3
in the U.S. for Orthopaedic Surgery Residency Training
#3
in the U.S. for NIH Funding
185,760
Appointments in FY2022
17,000
Surgeries in FY2022
80+
Orthopaedic Specialists
9
Office Locations
A NOTE FROM THE CHAIR
At Washington University Orthopedics, we look back at the past year grateful for our renewed focus on our mission, for exciting collaborations, and for our faculty, staff and clinical partners who help propel our efforts.
This past year, we celebrate the accomplishments and distinctions of our high-volume clinical practice, we continue to enrich our education program (currently #3 in U.S.) and boost our research (#3 in U.S. for NIH funding). And we continue to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion, with leadership and support for actionable change strategies.
We are so grateful for the amazing people of Washington University Orthopedics – our clinical and research faculty, staff, fellows and residents. They are the reason we can do what we do; they are our reason to celebrate year after year.
We look forward to the exciting changes, challenges and accomplishments that lie ahead.
Fred C. Reynolds Professor and Chair
Washington University Orthopedics
international impact
Since 2011, WashU Orthopedic pediatric physicians have led World Pediatric Project care teams and have performed 279 surgeries and treated 752 patients.
Pictured above, pediatric orthopedic chief Lindley Wall, MD, MSc, cares for a patient in St. Vincent in the Caribbean.
Recently inducted as a Fellow of the International Orthopaedic Trauma Association and selected as an American-British-Canadian Traveling Fellowship (ABC), trauma surgeon Anna Miller, MD, is blazing a trail across the globe.
As an ABC Traveling Fellow, Dr. Miller toured orthopaedic centers in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and the United Kingdom for five weeks. Above, she's pictured giving a talk at the South African Orthopaedic Association.
Clinical Division Updates
Click on each division to learn more about
what we've been up to.
Foot and Ankle Division
Our foot and ankle specialists work as a multidisciplinary team to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a wide array of foot and ankle conditions — from everyday sprains and bunions, to the most complex non-healing fractures and arthritis.
Our orthopedic surgeons are board-certified and have received advanced fellowship training specifically for foot and ankle disorders in addition to their five year residency in orthopedic surgery.
19,830 clinical appointments
913 surgical cases
6 providers
3 Faculty + 1 Podiatrist + 2 Advanced Practice Providers
6 peer-reviewed publications in 2022
Hand and Microsurgery Division
Your hands touch every aspect of your life. You can trust that you'll receive only the highest level of care with our hand specialists. We treat all conditions of the hand, wrist, elbow and forearm in patients of all ages. We treat the simplest to the most complex conditions and provide a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.
We also offer a Multidisciplinary Complex Nerve Clinic that is dedicated to the treatment of patients with nerve injuries.
20,021 clinical appointments
3,255 surgical cases
7 providers
41 peer-reviewed publications in 2022
OF NOTE
On the National Stage
Christopher Dy, MD, MPH, received the Kappa Delta Young Investigator Award.
Ryan Calfee, MD, serves as Research Director for the Amercian Society for Surgery of the Hand.
Martin Boyer, MD, named a Director of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Hip and Knee Division
Our hip and knee specialists offer innovative joint preservation and replacement procedures, and are praised for low infection rates and low readmission rates.
We are nationally recognized for exceptional quality, and patient care initiatives that have led to better long-term outcomes and reduced post-surgical complications.
Thousands of patients have come to St. Louis from around the country to undergo hip or knee replacement procedures at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, as the program ranks in the Top 5 among academic medical centers in the United States by the large number of total joint replacement procedures performed annually, and is identified as a Medicare Center of Excellence.
20,021 clinical appointments
10 providers
8 Faculty + 2 Advanced Practice Providers
3,034 surgical cases
41 peer-reviewed publications in 2022
TECHNOLOGY SPOTLIGHT
Robotics
While accuracy and precision are important for all facets of joint replacement, it is especially important for partial knee replacement surgery, also called unicompartmental knee arthroplasty or UKA. A team of Washington University orthopedic researchers found that using robotics during UKA yielded results that were up to 10 times more accurate than doing the procedure without robotic assistance. The study was published in The Bone & Joint Journal, March 2021.
To date, Washington University orthopedic surgeons have completed hundreds of robotic unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) surgeries at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital. Surgical teams began performing robotic total knee replacements in 2021 and robotic total hip replacements in 2022.
FEATURED PATIENT: HIP
Advancements in Hip Preservation Surgery
Image A shows a 18-year-old female with acetabular dysplasia. She was treated by acetabular reorientation with a PAO (image B) for symptom relief, which improved joint loading and joint stability. This procedure resulted in an excellent clinical outcome.
Musculoskeletal Oncology Division
Our musculoskeletal oncology specialists treat patients diagnosed with a wide variety of orthopedic oncologic problems. We are nationally recognized for our expertise in the treatment of these conditions.
In collaboration with Barnes-Jewish Hospital and the Siteman Cancer Center, we diagnose and treat patients of all ages with benign, malignant, and metastatic diseases of the musculoskeletal system.
3,299 clinical appointments
2 providers
619 surgical cases
8 peer-reviewed publications in 2022
OF NOTE
MSTS Young Investigator Award
Former orthopedic research assistant in Dr. O'Keefe's lab (2021-2022), Alex Hollenberg, recently won first place for the Young Investigator Award at the 2022 Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Annual Meeting for his paper supporting DNMT3B as a novel target in high grade chondrosarcoma. Though no longer a research student in the lab, Alex has continued working on research projects with WashU faculty.
Pediatric and Adolescent
Orthopedics Division
Whether a child or adolescent has a congenital deformity of the spine, hip, hand, leg or foot, or experiences a traumatic bone or muscle injury, our pediatric orthopedic specialists can help. Our physicians and staff are trusted experts, which means you receive compassionate care, a precise diagnosis and treatment plan for any bone or muscle injury or condition. Together, with St. Louis Children's Hospital, our pediatric orthopedic care ranks #10 in the United States and #1 in Missouri.
33,060 clinical appointments
16 providers
14 Faculty + 2 Advanced Practice Providers
1,878 surgical cases
54 peer-reviewed publications in 2022
Clinical Division Updates
Pediatric and Adolescent Orthopedics
FEATURED PATIENT: PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS
From Three Fingers to Nine
“Thanks to the work of Dr. Goldfarb, Eli has been able to play able-bodied sports using his left hand. His ability to throw, catch, grasp, and lift weights is thanks to the great work done on his hands. He has earned many unique opportunities through sports,” his mother shared, “Including being noticed for his abilities and skills rather than his differences.”
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Division
Patients who need comprehensive evaluations and conservative treatment of orthopedic conditions will benefit from an appointment with our physical medicine and rehabilitation (physiatry) specialists. Physiatrists treat a wide array of problems affecting the musculoskeletal system, including sports and spine disorders. We have expertise in the diagnosis and comprehensive care for the whole person.
Our physiatrists hold subspecialty certifications in sports, ultrasound imaging, electrodiagnostic testing, acupuncture, and pain management. They also have special interests in performing arts, the use of ultrasound for diagnosis and treatment of joint and nerve disorders, acupuncture to assist with both diagnosis and treatment of myofascial disorders, manual medicine, hip and spine disorders and their links to hip deformity, gender related disorders in addition to general musculoskeletal and orthopedic disorders.
18,652 clinical appointments
11 providers
10 Faculty + 1 Advanced Practice Provider
14 peer-reviewed publications in 2022
Clinical Division Updates
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
NEWS
Nathan Olafsen, MD, receives
Rising Star Award
Established in 2021 by the Academy of Educators at Washington University, the award recognizes a current WashU faculty member within ten years of completing their training program who shows exceptional promise as an educator through contributions in one or more domains of educational service, leadership or scholarship.
Neuro Rehabilitation Division
Our neurorehabilitation physicians, both physiatrists (PM&R) and neurologists, lead a comprehensive, multidisciplinary team to improve function for people with diverse medical conditions including spinal cord injury, limb-loss, concussion and brain injury, multi trauma, stroke and complex medical issues including transplants and cardiopulmonary deconditioning. The goal of the program is to enable the best possible quality of life for patients with these challenging issues.
NEURO REHABILITATION CONTINUUM OF CARE
Inpatient Rehabilitation
The Rehab Institute
of St. Louis
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Consult Service
Barnes-Jewish Hospital
Rehabilitation Clinics
Center for Advanced Medicine
1,409 clinical appointments
10 providers
8 Faculty + 2 Advanced Practice Providers
6 peer-reviewed publications in 2022
Shoulder and Elbow Division
Whether you are suffering from a torn rotator cuff or complex instability of the elbow, our shoulder and elbow specialists have expertise in treating a wide range of shoulder and elbow problems. Our team of fellowship-trained physicians, nurses, and physical and occupational therapists are skilled at treating common and complex conditions.
Our shoulder and elbow service is recognized as one of the nation’s most experienced centers for shoulder replacement, rotator cuff repair and shoulder instability surgery. We collectively see over 10,000 patient visits per year. Our team is actively involved in research designed to improve clinical outcomes from these procedures.
14,443 clinical appointments
3 providers
1,896 surgical cases
7 peer-reviewed publications in 2022
NEWS
A Higher Level of Care
In partnership with Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital, we're developing a Joint Commission Accredited Center of Excellence for Shoulder Arthroplasty. By achieving certification, our program will demonstrate the highest levels of safety and quality in performing total shoulder replacements.
Once accredited, our program will be one of the few Shoulder and Elbow Centers of Excellence in the country.
Spine Division
Our spine specialists are renowned for treating a wide range of spinal diseases and conditions of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine in both adult and pediatric spinal conditions.
Our specialists are internationally recognized for their leadership in both clinical care and research efforts in spine surgery. Our spine service receives patient inquiries and referrals from around the world and has one of the best-known clinical practices in the United States for the surgical management of adult and pediatric spinal deformities, spinal tumors, and complex degenerative conditions. Each of our spinal surgery patients receive an individualized, comprehensive treatment plan that includes access to a Spine Journey Guide to prepare them for surgery.
By conducting basic science and clinical research, our spine specialists have contributed enormously to the understanding of various spinal disorders. Our team is one of the few centers in the United States to receive both governmental and non-governmental grant funding to conduct high-level research.
7,348 clinical appointments
5 providers
889 surgical cases
7 peer-reviewed publications in 2022
Before
After
CASE STUDY: SPINE
A Striking Before and After
Spine surgeon Munish Gupta, MD, performed surgery on a 14-year-old female with severe kyphosis and a 90-degree curve. The after photos were taken 9 months post surgery.
Sports Medicine Division
Our providers bring world-class care to patients of all ages, and specialize in the treatment of a wide variety of injuries to the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip, foot and ankle, in addition to athletic concussions. As a specialty, sports medicine treats injuries in all patients, not just elite athletes. Whether you need surgery, therapy or just reassurance that you can get back to the gym or playing field, our sports medicine specialists are here for you.
19,260 clinical appointments
1,823 surgical cases
9 providers
69 peer-reviewed publications in 2022
NEWS
WashU Ortho Named Official Team Physicians for St. Louis CITY SC
We're proud to be the team behind the team.
Trauma Division
Our trauma specialists are highly specialized in treating traumatic orthopedic injuries and fractures. Affiliated with Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, both of which are Level 1 trauma centers verified by the American College of Surgeons, patients will have the best in physician expertise and comprehensive services for both inpatient and outpatient care. Our trauma team has an unmatched amount of experience, seeing over 4,000 patient visits per year. We also specialize in limb preservation, helping patients to avoid amputation after traumatic injury or illness.
5,229 clinical appointments
2,037 surgical cases
4 providers
24 peer-reviewed publications in 2022
FEATURED PATIENT: TRAUMA
Massive Polytrauma to Massive Success
A night out with friends turned tragic when Destiny Frey was struck by a vehicle. She underwent five orthopedic surgeries, which included extensive work to her pelvis and hip. Just seven months later, Destiny finished a
3.5-mile hike to the top of a mountain in Utah.
WashU Living Well Center®
Your health is important. From sleep and nutrition to exercise and mental health, many factors can impact your overall well-being. At the Washington University Living Well Center®, we bring together healthcare experts to help you meet your personal health and wellness goals.
The Center programs can help:
- Improve your health for surgery.
- Target and a treat specific condition if you are not a candidate for surgery.
- Enhance quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
- Optimize your health to meet a specific goal, such as healthy living after having a baby or training for an athletic event.
3,996 clinical appointments
7 providers
4 Faculty + 3 Advanced Practice Providers
Orthopedic Injury Clinic
When you have a sprain, strain, jam or minor fracture, avoid the ER* and visit one of two Orthopedic Injury Clinic locations. You’ll receive immediate care from orthopedic specialists, including on-site X-ray, splinting and casting. We treat adults and kids (ages 5 and up) for injuries including:
• Bone, joint or muscle injury that occurred within the past few days
• Ankle, foot or knee sprains
• Fractures/broken bones
• Strains
• Minor dislocations
• Sports injury
• Swollen joint
• Injury to shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist
• New back injury or pain
23,358 clinical appointments
NEW! Patient self-scheduling platform
9 providers
6 Faculty + 3 Advanced Practice Providers
Orthopaedic Research
NEWS
Farshid Guilak, PhD, elected to National Academy of Medicine
Membership in the academy is considered one of the highest honors in the fields of health and medicine, and recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding professional achievement and commitment to service. Guilak is also a member of the National Academy of Engineering and the National Academy of Inventors.
around the world
In 2022, our researchers collaborated with 144 external research departments around the world.
Other Ortho Grant Funding
$2,716,813
Basic Research Grant Funding
$8,122,865
across the country
We're proud to rank #3 in the U.S. for NIH-funded orthopaedic research. In 2022, our total grant funding for the department was $10,839,678.
here in st. louis
With 7 physician-scientists and 10 research faculty, we're the largest orthopedic research team in St. Louis. In 2022, we published a total of 353 papers.
target 1:
Arthritis and Cartilage Research
Objective: We study the causes of joint degeneration leading to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and explore ways to slow degeneration, with expertise in chondrocyte biology, inflammation and joint injury.
Arthritis and Cartilage Principle Investigators
target 2:
Bone Metastatic Cancer Research
Objective: We study the interaction between bone cells, immune cells and cancer cells to decipher why tumor cells seed and expand in the bone marrow microenvironment.
Bone Metastatic Cancer Principle Investigators
target 3:
Osteoporosis, Bone Biology
and Fracture Healing Research
Objective: We study the causes of diminished bone mass and strength leading to osteoporosis, with expertise in the biology of the osteoblast and the osteoclast, biomechanics, bone imaging and mechanobiology. We study the mechanisms of how bones heal after fracture.
Osteoporosis Principle Investigators
target 4:
Spinal Disorders and Disc
Degeneration Research
Objective: We study intervertebral disc degeneration and the biomechanical and biochemical factors contributing to low back pain.
Spine Disorders Principle Investigators
target 5:
Trauma and Regenerative Medicine Research
Objective: We are developing new ways to treat damaged cartilage with functional biomaterials and smart cells.
Trauma and Regenerative Medicine Principle Investigators
Hua Shen, PhD
target 6:
Orthopaedic Clinical
Research Center (OCRC)
Objective: The OCRC centralizes research activities, elevates the quality and efficiency of research studies, and provides education and enrichment opportunities for our faculty, research staff, and trainees. The OCRC is currently working on over 400 active clinical research studies, with two of those being large scale, multi-center studies.
OCRC Team
Tonia Thompson
Senior Research Administrator
Amanda Braun
Manager
Orthopaedic education
Residency Training
As the #3 orthopedic surgery residency program in the country, Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital are leaders
in training young physicians.
We offer two residency programs: orthopaedic surgery and physical medicine and rehabilitation. Our supportive learning environment provides our residents with opportunities to acquire knowledge to evaluate and treat a variety of clinical problems, provide compassionate care, and demonstrate ethical behavior in the practice of orthopaedic surgery and physical medicine and rehabilitation.
residency program directors
Alexander Aleem, MD, MSc
Program Director
Martin Boyer, MD, FRCS(C)
Associate Director
All resident classes 2022-2026
WashU Ortho Ranked #1
Residency Program in
U.S. for Academic Achievement
WashU Ortho
Hospital for Special Surgery
SKMC at Thomas Jefferson University
Source: Trikha, R., Olson, T. E., Chaudry, A., Ishmael, C. R., Villalpando, C., Chen, C. J., Hori, K. R., & Bernthal, N. M. (2022). Assessing the academic achievement of United States orthopaedic departments. World Journal of Orthopedics, 13(2), 201–211. https://doi.org/10.5312/wjo.v13.i2.201
URiM Residents in FY24
28%
Female Residents in FY24
50%
Fellowship Training
We offer fellowship training in 10 sub-specialties. Each fellow receives one-on-one mentorship to foster growth as an independent surgeon. With our large patient volumes and association with Barnes-Jewish Hospital, fellows receive an outstanding operative experience. As one of the three components of our mission as an academic health care leader, fellows participate in enriching research endeavors and graduate ready to begin a career in academic medicine or private practice.
NEWS
Hip and knee surgeon, Kimberly Bartosiak, MD, has been appointed Associate Director of the Adult Reconstruction Fellowship, an internationally recognized fellowship program.
OUR ALUMNI
Calling “Home”
Now the spine division director and vice chair of research at Arkansas Children's Hospital, alumni David Bumpass, MD, feels fortunate to have lifelong connections with WashU Ortho faculty that helped to shape his career.
make your impact on THE FUTURE OF ORTHOPEDICS
By making a charitable contribution to the Washington University Orthopedics,
you are playing a critical role in the continued development of orthopedic research.
