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Trauma research

At the AO, research in the field of trauma has two main pillars: research to generate scientific knowledge, and individual support for surgeons who are interested or involved in research through activities such as AO PEER events and research grants.

Injury journal Stephan Perren tribute edition research awards announced

In 2021, AO Trauma announced the winners of the two best publications in the Injury journal special edition: Tribute to Stephan Perren. The panel of experts selected two articles that were most in keeping with Perren's passion for real freedom to explore in research.

First prize was awarded to Y Dai, et al, who investigated whether the identification of a specific miRNA expression profile can facilitate the diagnosis of infected tibial nonunion.

Second prize went to S Halvachizadeh, et al, who investigated in an acute porcine trauma model (moderate blunt chest trauma, abdominal injury, and femoral shaft fracture) with a standardized femur fracture the impact of the unreamed nailing technique and reaming on pulmonary and systemic effects.


Clinical Priority Program Bone Infection publications push knowledge boundaries

The AO Trauma Clinical Priority Program (CPP) Bone Infection is tackling a highly relevant problem in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Infection is one of the most challenging problems to resolve—for researchers, clinicians, and patients. In fact, antimicrobial resistance is one of the most important global public health challenges of the twenty-first century.

The work the CPP does toward finding solutions to this problem is of fundamental importance. In 2021, the following publications pushed the boundaries of our knowledge in this area further.


Emerging electron microscopy and 3D methodologies to interrogate Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis in murine models.

J Orthop Res. 2021 Feb;39(2):376-88. Epub 2020/12/31. doi: 10.1002/jor.24968.

de Mesy Bentley KL, Galloway CA, Muthukrishnan G, et al

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Distinct expression trend of signature antigens of Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis correlated with clinical outcomes.

(2021) J Orthop Res. 2021 Feb;39(2):265-73. Epub 2020/12/19. doi: 10.1002/jor.24961.

Fu W, He W, Ren Yet al

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Distinct vasculotropic versus osteotropic features of S. agalactiae versus S. aureus implant-associated bone infection in mice.

(2021) J Orthop Res. 2021 Feb;39(2):389-401. Epub 2020/12/19. doi: 10.1002/jor.24962.

Masters EA, Hao SP, Kenney HM et al

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Antimicrobial Resistance, the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Lessons for the Orthopaedic Community.

J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2021 Jan 6;103(1):4-9. Epub 2020/12/02. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.20.01214.

Metsemakers WJ, Zalavras C, Schwarz EM et al

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Interleukin-27 and Its Diverse Effects on Bacterial Infections.

Front Immunol. 2021;12: 678515. Epub 2021/06/04. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.678515.

Morita Y, Masters EA, Schwarz EM, Muthukrishnan G et al

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The AO trauma CPP bone infection registry: Epidemiology and outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus bone infection.

J Orthop Res. 2021 Jan;39(1):136-46. Epub 2020/07/29. doi: 10.1002/jor.24804.

Morgenstern M, Erichsen C, Militz M et al

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Humanized Mice Exhibit Exacerbated Abscess Formation and Osteolysis During the Establishment of Implant-Associated Staphylococcus aureus Osteomyelitis.

Front Immunol. 2021;12:651515. Epub 2021/04/06. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.651515.

Muthukrishnan G, Wallimann A, Rangel-Moreno J et al

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