Steadman Philippon Research Institute

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Mission: The Institute is dedicated to keeping people of all ages physically active through orthopaedic research and education in the areas of arthritis, healing, rehabilitation, and injury.

Founded in 1988 by orthopaedic surgeon Dr. J. Richard Steadman, the Steadman Philippon Research Institute is an independent, tax-exempt (IRS code 501(c)(3)) charitable organization, employing scientists, researchers, fellows, visiting scholars, and interns.

The Steadman Philippon Research Institute is known throughout the world for our research into the causes, prevention and treatment of orthopaedic disorders. We are committed to solving orthopaedic problems that limit an individual's ability to maintain an active life.

Our research perspective is based on clinical relevance, with a goal of improving the care of the patient. Recognizing that the body's innate healing powers can be harnessed and manipulated to improve the healing process has led to exciting advances in surgical techniques, such as microfracture and innovative rehabilitation developed by Dr. Richard Steadman, and validated at our Institute. Today, the Institute is recognized worldwide for Dr. Marc Philippon's pioneering research for the treatment of sports related injuries to the hip.

Athletes are becoming bigger, faster and stronger, unfortunately their connective tissue does not, therefore, injuries are becoming more complex. Our research into the anatomy and mechanisms of the complex knee and shoulder is being recognized worldwide. Dr. Robert F. LaPrade, internationally known for his research in the complex knee, has recently joined the Institute as Director of Biomechanics Research. Dr. Peter Millett is directing novel shoulder research with our dual plane flouroscope technology which obtains new levels of accuracy for understanding the movement of bones in the shoulder. Dr. Thomas Clanton, a renowned foot and ankle surgeon is conducting research to improve outcomes in this complex joint. Dr. Thomas Hackett's research interests include extreme sports injuries.

We collect data and publish clinical research results on knees, hips, shoulders, spine and imaging, and we have become one of the most published and innovative organizations in sports medicine research and education. We publish our findings in relevant peer reviewed scientific and medical journals and present our research results at medical meetings worldwide.

Philanthropic gifts are used to advance scientific research and to support scholarly academic programs that train physicians for the future. Through our Fellowship and Visiting Scholar programs, the Institute has now built a network of more than 180 Fellows and Visiting Scholars worldwide who share the advanced ideas and communicate the concepts they learned in Vail to their patient base.

Our Primary Areas of Research and Education are:

• Basic Science Research - undertakes biological studies, at the cellular level, to investigate the causes and effects of degenerative arthritis, techniques of cartilage regeneration, and basic biological healing processes.
  
  
• Biomechanics Research - studies dynamic joint function using motion analysis, computer modeling and dual-plane fluoroscopy imaging in an effort to understand injury mechanisms and to enhance rehabilitation techniques and outcomes.
  
  
• Clinical Research - conducts evidence- or outcomes-based research using actual clinical data that aids both physicians and patients in making better and more informed treatment decisions.
  
  
• Imaging Research - develops and evaluates noninvasive imaging techniques of the joints for the purpose of directing and monitoring clinical treatment and outcomes and to enhance the clinical relevance of Biomechanics Research.
  
  
• Education and Fellowship Program - administers and coordinates the physicians-in-residence fellowship training program, hosts conferences and international medical meetings, and produces and distributes publications and teaching visual media.