Orthopaedic surgeons treat diseases, injuries and conditions of the body’s muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons.  UPH orthopaedic surgeons provide outpatient care, and perform general and specialized surgeries.  These physicians are the only providers of orthopaedic trauma services in Southern Arizona, and care for athletes at the University of Arizona and Pima Community College, as well as for many local high school students. 

Special Programs
 
The Arizona Institute for Sports Medicine (AZISM): UPH is currently developing a multidisciplinary center of excellence for sports medicine that will allow patients to receive a full spectrum of care, returning them to an active lifestyle.  Located at UPH Kino Campus, the AZISM will house orthopaedic surgery, physical therapy, family practice sports medicine, x-ray and casting facilities, and more.

Online Resources

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery  
American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine 
American Society for Surgery of the Hand 
Arthroscopy Association of North America

Community Outreach

Saturday morning sports clinics are held during the Fall high school sports season.  High school athletes injured during a Thursday or Friday night game can be evaluated by a sports medicine specialist free of charge with reduced fees for radiology and casting services.

Each year, sports medicine expert, Robert Hunter, MD, offers courses in anatomy and evaluation of the knee and shoulder to primary care providers, physical therapists and other allied health professionals in Southern Arizona.

Major Areas of Research

UPH orthopaedic surgeons are currently conducting research in the areas of orthopaedic trauma, sports medicine, musculoskeletal injury and prevention, and pediatric orthopaedics.

The department is also developing tissue engineered cartilage, which will be grown on a soluble plastic scaffold with the shape, structure, and physical properties of the bone near a person’s joints. Sensors on the scaffold will allow the patient to exercise and know when they are putting too much weight on the joint. 

These new technologies will put the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in the forefront of Orthopaedic Tissue Engineering research in the United States. 

University of Arizona Department Website
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