Improving orthopedic patient care

We conduct research related to muscles, joints and bones to help patients prevent and recover from injuries and to stay active as they age. We also study patient-reported outcomes, which capture the patient’s perspective of the impact of orthopedic-related care on quality of life and ability to function. Orthopedic research is conducted at Regions Hospital, Methodist Hospital and TRIA Orthopedics in partnership with physicians from the University of Minnesota.

We explore the latest orthopedics research in the areas of:

Concussion
Foot/ankle
Geriatric fractures
Hand/wrist
Hip
Knee

Musculoskeletal radiology
Patient-reported outcome measures
Rehabilitation
Shoulder
Sports medicine
Value

Investigators

View the full list of research investigator profiles on Knowledge Exchange.

TRIA Research and Education Center

TRIA is committed to advancing care through research. Their innovative studies range from improving surgical techniques to accelerating recovery. Details regarding TRIA research projects can be found on their website.

Key projects

The Scapula Institute

The Scapula Institute is dedicated to the study of the scapula (shoulder blade) and fractures connected with it. Some of our surgeons are members of the North American Scapula Consortium (NASCon) working together to improve patient care. Improved treatment protocols have been emerging now that research is focusing on patient-oriented outcomes. We have shown there is a relationship between patients’ perception of shoulder deformity and clinical measurements after scapula fracture.

The Value Initiative

The Value Initiative is an orthopedic-focused group dedicated to optimizing and implementing value-based care. Value is crucial in the field of orthopedics as it has been estimated that orthopedic surgeons influence over half of health care costs. We work to increase value at our institution, as well as assist other health care systems in determining the value of care.

PROMOTE (Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Optimization via Technology and Engagement)

Our goal was to learn what outcomes are most important to patients, and if incorporating patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures in care and performance reports would improve outcomes. The study involved patients having knee or hip joint replacements or spinal surgery. The aims of the study were: 1) identify additional patient-preferred outcomes and relevant information; 2) test the impact on survey response rates from adding information and from using text reminders; and 3) assess changes to PROM rates from providing quality and cost comparison reports. We learned that most patients prefer an outcome individualized to them rather than a multi-item score. Adding a text reminder improved the response rate for PRO surveys by 5% overall. PROs are widely perceived by surgeons as valuable for the department or organization and for individual clinicians.

Key publications

Learn more about our Orthopedics investigators and their publications at Knowledge Exchange under Orthopedic Trauma and TRIA Research and Education Center.

Orthopedics