The Orthopaedic Research Laboratory at Boston University is dedicated to exploring the scientific basis of musculoskeletal diseases and injuries and to developing new technologies for the improvement of musculoskeletal function.  Our department is heavily involved in the care of patients who have skeletal trauma, sport injuries, degenerative joint diseases, and spinal conditions. As a result, a heavy emphasis is placed on investigations into the repair and regeneration of bone, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Projects in the laboratory range from studies on the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of skeletal tissue healing to those that elucidate how healing responses mimic developmental processes, respond to mechanical forces, or are influenced by growth factors, receptor agonists, drugs or diseases. In addition, because of our deep interest in understanding the molecular genetics of skeletal metabolism and the cellular responses which govern its homeostasis, how these processes are involved in skeletal tumorigenesis or metastasis is also an area of investigation. Strong interdepartmental collaborations with the College of Engineering and the School of Dentistry at Boston University provide an exceptional environment for intellectual development.