About Us
The Orthopaedic Research Center at Colorado State University was founded by renowned equine arthroscopic surgeon and orthopaedic researcher, Dr. C. Wayne McIlwraith, and is known worldwide for joint problem prevention and healing research in the horse with some recently expanded work in human athletes. A dedicated group of senior scientists, graduate and post-doctoral students continue to answer critical questions about orthopaedic health in horses and humans.
Philosophy and Goals
To offer the best treatment of clinical cases possible, with continued and critical assessment of our results; to use these results to change our treatments; to point our research toward prevention of problems we cannot treat effectively or that cause permanent clinical damage.
To find new methods to heal joints already damaged; to use state of the art research techniques to find ways to prevent the occurrence of joint diseases and musculoskeletal injuries; to find methods of early treatment to prevent permanent damage when joint disease does occur.
Meet the Team
Our Story
The Orthopaedic Research Center began as a multidisciplinary equine program dedicated to finding methods to treat and prevent equine musculoskeletal disease and injury. Prior to 1984, the program’s research was primarily clinical. During this time, many of the techniques for arthroscopic surgery were developed and optimized at CSU and these techniques were used to treat joint problems more effectively and, further, enable continued athletic function of equine athletes. We also identified and defined a number of new clinical conditions and documented some of the best methods for diagnosis and treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.
As clinicians, clinician scientists and/or basic science researchers, we strive to offer the best possible treatment of clinical cases with continual and critical assessment of the results, which are then used to modify treatments and direct the research toward disease prevention. We strive to improve methods of early detection, develop better treatments to prevent permanent damage to injured joints and validate manual therapies and rehabilitation techniques.
