Research

Most Recent Research Awards

    • 2025 Best Resident Presentation University of Pittsburgh Resident Research Day (Cong et al)
    • 2025 EOEF John McConnell, MD Travel Grant (Lin et al)
    • 2025 Playmaker Grant AOSSM (Ono et al)

Rotator Cuff

scientist using pipette

The natural history of rotator cuff tears and the optimal management of this common condition remain largely controversial and incompletely understood. Pittsburgh Shoulder Institute's research has focused on addressing diagnostic challenges and refining the selection of appropriate surgical treatments for rotator cuff tears. Additionally, our work includes the management of massive, irreparable tears, with collaborative in vivo research on superior capsular reconstruction conducted with the University of Pittsburgh Biodynamic Laboratory.

Recent Rotator Cuff Publications:

Timing of corticosteroid injection within 1 year prior to rotator cuff repair was not associated with increased risk of repair failure

Bioaugmentation demonstrates similar outcomes and failure rates for arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair compared to revision without bioaugmentation

Margin convergence vs. superior capsular reconstruction for massive irreparable rotator cuff tears: outcomes are equivalent unless there is preoperative pseudoparesis

Shoulder Instability

scientist using pipette

Shoulder instability remains a common treatment challenge, with high rates of recurrence even after surgical stabilization. Pittsburgh Shoulder Institute has a focused interest in advancing the management of shoulder instability through both clinical and basic science research aimed at reducing recurrence rates. Our work has concentrated on enhancing anatomic repair strategies, including collaboration with the Orthopedic Robotics Laboratory as well as identifying risk factors for recurrence and determining the most effective approaches to minimize its occurrence.

Recent Shoulder Instability Publications:

Pittsburgh Instability Tool Score Predicts Outcomes After Arthroscopic Anterior Shoulder Stabilization in Patients With Subcritical Bone Loss

The Addition of Remplissage to Arthroscopic Bankart Repair and Effect on Recurrent Instability in Shoulders With Critical Humeral Bone Loss

Comparison of Revision and Redislocation Rates After First-Time Anterior Shoulder Instability Between Subluxators and Dislocators: A Midterm Outcome Study

Shoulder Arthroplasty

scientific glassware

Shoulder arthroplasty has become the gold standard for treating end-stage glenohumeral osteoarthritis and rotator cuff arthropathy. Additionally, imaging modalities play a critical role in the accurate diagnosis of orthopaedic conditions and frequently guide both nonoperative and operative management. Pittsburgh Shoulder Institute's research in these areas has focused on clinical outcomes following shoulder arthroplasty, including collaborative in vivo work on kinematics after reverse shoulder arthroplasty with the University of Pittsburgh Biodynamics Laboratory. Our work also emphasizes improving the diagnostic accuracy of imaging techniques in the evaluation of glenohumeral osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries, including tendinous and nerve-related pathology.

Recent Shoulder Arthroplasty Publications:
Predictors of failing same-day discharge after shoulder arthroplasty: developing a model to improve outcomes and reduce health care cost

Surgical technique and implant design affect abduction kinematics and functional outcomes after reverse shoulder arthroplasty

Anatomic restoration of lateral humeral offset and humeral retroversion optimizes functional outcomes following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty

Laboratory Collaborations

PSI is currently a Core Laboratory of the Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center.  Learn more about the BMRC and their mission to support early-career researchers and musculoskeletal research as a whole at www.bethel.pitt.edu.