Program lead: Scott Kilpatrick, John Reith
Orthopedic pathology involves both neoplasms and non-neoplastic diseases. For the former, we actively investigate and define clinicopathologic features of existing neoplasms (and variants) and entirely new entities, within the musculoskeletal system. Evaluation of immunohistochemistry and novel molecular characteristics is ongoing. For non-neoplastic diseases, we seek to understand the clinicoradiological and pathological characteristics of the more common orthopedic problems, while also assessing the importance of routine histologic examination among frequently seen orthopedic specimens. Based on our arthroplasty data, establishing an accurate and consistently reliable diagnosis of avascular necrosis, osteoarthritis with secondary osteonecrosis, subchondral insufficiency fracture, and calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate disease (pseudogout) requires pathologic examination, as predisposing clinical features are frequently absent and radiographs often misleading. Current multidisciplinary studies also are evaluating the incidence and significance of amyloid detection in a variety of routine, seemingly insignificant, orthopedic specimens obtained from surgeries related to carpal tunnel, trigger finger, and spinal ligamentum flavum.
Collaborators: Brian Rubin, Steven Billings, Karen Fritchie, Josephine Dermawan, Hakan Ilaslan, John Goldblum, Nate Mesko, Luke Nystrom, Zachary Burke, William Seitz Jr.