Steadman Philippon Research Institute - Orthopaedic Research

11/05/2025

A look back at the ISHA Annual Scientific Meeting 2025 in Fukuoka, Japan, where SPRI’s Center for Outcomes-Based Orthopaedic Research (COOR) and faculty presented new research and strengthened international collaboration in hip preservation science.

SPRI contributed 10 accepted abstracts, including 4 podium presentations, 6 e-posters and 2 invited lectures, covering long-term outcomes in labral reconstruction, revision hip arthroscopy, biologic augmentation and AI-assisted outcomes prediction.

Presentations were delivered by Dr. Ali Noorzad, Alyson Speshock and Grant Dornan, alongside colleagues and close collaborators including Dr. Soichi Uchida, Host Co-Chair of ISHA 2025, and Dr. Olufemi Ayeni, Programme Chair. The meeting also brought together three past SPRI International Scholars, continuing the Institute’s global tradition of mentorship and research partnership.

Beyond the lectures, the SPRI team enjoyed the hospitality of former International Research Scholar Dr. Hajime “Jimmy” Utsunomiya, who guided them through Fukuoka, a true reflection of both SPRI’s and ISHA’s spirit of connection and shared progress.

10/31/2025

SPRI Sports Medicine Fellows and Athletic Training Residents participated in an advanced High Tibial Osteotomy (HTO) and Distal Femoral Osteotomy (DFO) lab led by Thomas Hackett, MD, Chair of SPRI’s Education Committee and Sports Medicine Faculty.

HTO and DFO are specialized surgical procedures that realign the knee joint to relieve pain and preserve function in active patients with arthritis or alignment deformities. The session focused on surgical planning, biomechanical considerations and emerging technologies that continue to enhance precision and patient outcomes.

Dr. Hackett is an orthopaedic surgeon specializing in the surgical and non-surgical management of shoulder, elbow and knee injuries.

His expertise in arthroscopic techniques, osteotomy procedures and sports injury research brings valuable insight to SPRI’s mission of advancing orthopaedic education and translational science through hands-on training and clinical collaboration.

10/28/2025

In a recent interview with Becker’s Healthcare, Dr. Marc J. Philippon shared insights into The Steadman Clinic’s “Excellence Algorithm”, a philosophy rooted in patient-centered care, mentorship and integrity in innovation.

Dr. Philippon discusses how evidence-based medicine, disciplined leadership and an unwavering focus on patient outcomes continue to shape both The Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute as global leaders in orthopaedics and sports medicine.

Read the full article here: https://www.beckersspine.com/orthopedic/inside-the-steadman-clinics-excellence-algorithm/

10/24/2025

We are grateful to Dr. Randall Viola for his continued mentorship and dedication to education within the SPRI Fellowship.

A hand, wrist, elbow and orthopaedic trauma specialist for over 25 years, Dr. Viola brings decades of experience and innovation in sports medicine and microvascular surgery to his teaching.

His recent distal biceps and UCL elbow lab offered an engaging, comprehensive and hands-on learning experience that provided fellows with invaluable technical skills and surgical insight.

10/22/2025

Supporting our local athletes on and off the mountain is central to our mission.

SPRI Fellows, The Steadman Clinic Athletic Training Residents and the Foot & Ankle team recently partnered with Ski & Snowboard Club Vail (SSCV) to provide physicals for 76 athletes, supporting their preparation and performance for the season ahead.

The event also offered an opportunity to connect with athletes, families and community members, reinforcing our commitment to keeping Vail’s ski and snowboard community active and thriving.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered their time and expertise to make this a success.

10/20/2025

Last month, SPRI welcomed fellowship alumni back to Vail for a weekend celebrating collaboration, mentorship and the continued growth of our global fellowship community.

The inaugural SPRI Fellowship Alumni Reunion brought together past fellows, faculty and colleagues to reconnect, exchange ideas and honor the shared mission that continues to drive orthopaedic innovation worldwide.

We’re proud to see our alumni leading with purpose and advancing research, education and patient care across the field.

10/17/2025

10/16/2025

Thank you to our fellowship alumni who joined us in Vail for the SPRI Fellowship Alumni Reunion. It was a meaningful weekend of connection, collaboration and shared purpose among colleagues and friends.

The event also marked the official launch of the Steadman Philippon Alumni Network (SPAN), a new initiative designed to strengthen collaboration, mentorship and continued learning within our global fellowship community.

We’re grateful for our alumni’s ongoing engagement and commitment to advancing orthopaedic research, education and clinical excellence.

10/14/2025

Former SPRI Sports Medicine Fellows Dr. Garret Garafolo, Dr. Sandeep Mannava, Dr. Andy Bernhardson and Dr. DJ Johnson reunited to teach at the Orthopaedic Learning Center in Rosemont, Illinois this weekend.

We’re proud to see these accomplished surgeons sharing their expertise and advancing education in orthopaedic surgery!

10/10/2025

SPRI welcomed former Sports Medicine Fellow Dr. Travis Dekker for a Grand Rounds Lecture on “Shoulder Instability: Post-Vail Experience and Reflection on the Insights, Techniques and Mentorship Gained from SPRI and TSC Faculty.”

A graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and former Division I football player, Lt Col Dekker now serves as Team Physician for the Air Force Academy’s lacrosse and football programs, where SPRI fellows continue to collaborate with him to provide medical coverage and athlete care.

Dr. Dekker’s lecture reflected on his experience translating the skills and the research foundation developed at SPRI into clinical and academic leadership within the military and sports medicine. His ongoing partnership exemplifies SPRI’s mission to advance orthopaedic research, mentorship and patient outcomes.

10/09/2025

We’re celebrating Active Aging Week by highlighting SPRI’s commitment to research that helps adults stay strong and mobile throughout life.

From gait analysis to injury prevention studies, our teams translate movement science into practical strategies that support healthy aging in our community.

SPRI’s Biomotion Lab offers markerless motion capture that estimates your “motion age” and provides a comprehensive movement report in under 20 minutes. You can schedule an appointment with Steve Atherton at satherton@sprivail.org to learn more.

10/01/2025

This fall, SPRI’s Education and Public Outreach Committee (EPOC) is back, bringing science enrichment to students across Colorado.

Since 2012, EPOC has introduced more than 5,400 students to hands-on learning in biomechanics, regenerative medicine and clinical research, sparking curiosity in STEM and inspiring future careers in medicine and research.

Just last week, EPOC kicked off its Basalt High School Science Club, where students have the opportunity to explore science and medicine alongside SPRI researchers and physicians from The Steadman Clinic. The Vail High School Science Club launched September 10th.

We’re excited to see what this school year will bring as EPOC continues to grow and inspire the next generation of scientists and healthcare leaders!