2008 Faculty Researchers

James Cook. DVM. PhD

Characterization of Pathology of Knee Menisci: Correlation of Radiograpidc, Gross. Histologic, Biochemical and Molecular Measures of Disease.

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Department

Orthopaedic Surgery. Comparative Orthopaedic Laboratory

Office Location

379 East Campus Drive

Phone #:

Office: (573) 884-0603
Fax: (573) 884-2683

Summary

Meniscal pathology is an extremely prevalent problem. Meniscal pathology which compromises meniscal function inevitably leads to osteoarthritis and associated pain. swelling. and disability. Relatively little data are available regarding the molecular. biochemical. and histologic aspects of meniscal disease. Optimizing diagnosis. prevention. and treatment for meniscal pathology is limited by this incomplete understanding. Our objectives are to:

1. characterize molecular, biochemical. histologic. imaging. and gross indicators of disease. and
2. delineate indicators of meniscal pathology for optimizing diagnostic. therapeutic. and prognostic strategies.

The overall goal of our research is to comprehensively characterize pathology of the knee menisci so that diagnosis. treatment. and outcome of meniscal problems can be optimized for the long term benefit of patients. In order to address this goal. our strategy is to comprehensively assess meniscal pathology and correlate clinical and basic science data in pursuit of finding clinical relevant answers for this common problem in people.