The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has dedicated significant resources to the pursuit of clinical, translational, and basic science research.
Our state-of-the-art Thompson Lab, housed on the fourth floor of Missouri Orthopaedic Institute (MOI), includes ~12,000 square feet solely dedicated to research for a team of more than 50 researchers representing 13 different specialties.
The lab houses Basic Science and Translational Research, Skeletal Morphology Research, Bioengineering Research, and Clinical Research teams and facilities. MOI houses over 40 clinical faculty specializing in sports medicine (primary care and surgical), joint replacement, pediatrics, hip and knee, foot and ankle, shoulder, hand, spine, trauma, limb preservation, regenerative medicine (Mizzou BioJoint® Center), physical medicine and rehabilitation, and diagnostic imaging.
More than 200 other health care professionals and staff provide care and services including nursing, imaging, prosthetics, pharmacy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, and mental health. Our internationally recognized faculty and staff — combined with our state-of-the-art Thompson Lab and variety and volume of patients — create an optimal environment for bedside-to-bench-to-bedside research. See below for a full list of active projects and presentations.
Featured Clinical Researcher of the Quarter: Nikhil Jain, MD
Dr. Nikhil Jain is an orthopaedic surgeon based in Columbia, Missouri, and is affiliated with University of Missouri Health Care. He received his medical degree from Medical College Baroda and completed his orthopaedic surgery residency at the University College of Medical Sciences & Guru Teg. He went on to complete fellowship training in orthopaedic spine surgery at Boston University Medical Center, the University of Louisville School of Medicine, and the University of Virginia Health System. Dr. Jain currently serves as an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Dr. Jain has expertise in treating conditions of the spine, including spinal fusion, spinal stenosis, and spondylosis. His work focuses on the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions affecting the bones, joints, and surrounding structures.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Jain has been recognized for his contributions to research with several national and international awards. These include the Cervical Spine Research Society Resident/Fellow Research Award (2021), the Neurosurgical Research & Education Foundation Clinical Fellowship Grant (2020-2021), the North American Spine Society Best Paper: Value Award (2018), the International Society for the Study of the Lumbar Spine Young Investigator Award (2018), and the Lumbar Spine Research Society Fellow Research Award (2017).
Dr. Jain has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and contributed to four book chapters, reflecting his ongoing commitment to advancing orthopaedic spine research.
