BS, Valparaiso University
My main research focus has been retrieval studies of implants for adult joint reconstructive surgery and associated periprosthetic tissues. I have been involved with numerous studies of implant wear and corrosion. Currently, I am a co-investigator on several studies of corrosion of modular junctions, their corrosion products and tissue reactions, both locally and systemically seen in response to the products of wear and corrosion. Other ongoing research includes the study of synthetic bone graft substitutes to enhance new bone formation in large bone defects.
I have 30 years of experience in orthopedic research with a focus on surgical and postmortem retrieval studies of implants for adult joint reconstructive surgery and associated periprosthetic tissues. I manage the collection of implants at Rush and lead the postmortem retrieval team. My areas of expertise include the analysis of wear and corrosion of retrieved modular devices using electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, the histological evaluation of the tissues surrounding failed joint replacements using light microscopy, and the isolation of particles from corroded modular junctions, periprosthetic tissue and organs for study by backscattered electron scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction.
Wright Medical, A Pilot Study of Bone Healing of PRO-DENSE with the Addition of --- in a Critical-size Proximal Humeral Defect in Dogs (Principal Investigator) Wright Medical, Assessment of Bone Healing with PRO-DENSE vs. Cancellous Allograft Bone in a Critical-size Proximal Humeral Defect in Dogs (Principal Investigator) Rush Scientific Leadership Council, Executive Council, RTSC: Corrosion in Modular Hip Implants: Identifying the Ideal Alloy Microstructure (Co-Investigator)