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: Brett Crist, MD
Brett Crist, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in orthopaedic trauma and reconstruction and serves as a faculty member at the Missouri Orthopaedic Institute, dedicated to advancing fracture care and joint preservation. Dr. Crist combines high-level surgical expertise with a strong commitment to research aimed at improving outcomes for patients with fractures, hip disorders, and traumatic orthopaedic conditions.
Dr. Crist earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he also completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery. He went on to complete fellowship training in orthopaedic trauma at the University of California Davis Medical Center, gaining advanced experience in the management of complex fractures, pelvic and acetabular injuries, and post-traumatic reconstruction. He is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Dr. Crist’s research spans basic, translational, and clinical investigation focused on optimizing fracture healing, restoring function, and improving quality of life for patients following traumatic injury. His work centers on orthopaedic trauma and fracture care, including the treatment of pelvis and acetabular fractures, fracture nonunion, malunion, and infection. He also studies geriatric fracture care, hip preservation strategies, total hip arthroplasty, and innovative approaches to cartilage and joint reconstruction, including ankle cartilage procedures.
Through his clinical research and surgical practice, Dr. Crist seeks to develop evidence-based techniques that enhance recovery, reduce complications, and improve long-term outcomes for both young, active patients and older adults with fragility fractures. His commitment to advancing trauma care and reconstructive surgery supports the Missouri Orthopaedic Institute’s mission to deliver leading-edge, patient-centered orthopaedic treatment.
