Duke Orthopedics

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Duke Orthopedics

Developing leaders in orthopaedics, rehabilitation research, education, and patient care.

02/12/2026

👏 Celebrating Excellence in Duke Orthopaedics! We congratulate Brian Lau, MD, MPH, FAAOS, associate professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke, on his role as the OrthoInfo Sports Medicine Section Editor and newest member of the OrthoInfo Editorial Board. Dr. Lau’s dual fellowship training in sports medicine/shoulder and foot & ankle continues to elevate the quality of patient education and advance the field of orthopaedic care. Proud to have his expertise representing Duke on a national stage!

01/15/2026

Duke Contributes to Landmark NIH Study on Low Back Pain

Duke University contributed its expertise to a landmark NIH-funded clinical trial aimed at transforming how clinicians treat acute and subacute low back pain—one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The study, which began several years ago, has now released its results, offering important new insights into evidence-based back pain care.

Published in JAMA, the findings highlight the power of clinician supported self management approaches. Duke experts Steven Z. George, PhD, PT, and Francis Keefe, PhD, served as contributing authors, helping shape the national understanding of biopsychosocial strategies for managing musculoskeletal pain.

Why it matters: Low back pain is shaped by physical, psychological, and social factors. This study underscores the importance of empowering patients with skills to manage their pain—leading to more durable outcomes than relying on prescriptions alone.
Read more https://duke.is/z/59ub.

01/06/2026

Socioeconomic Factors Double Risk of Disabling Chronic Pain

New Duke Orthopaedics study reveals that socioeconomic disparities significantly increase the risk of high-impact chronic pain—pain that limits daily activities on most days.
Researchers found adults with lower socioeconomic position were twice as likely to develop disabling pain compared to more advantaged peers.

📊 Key findings:
✔ 4.3% overall incidence of high-impact chronic pain in one year
✔ Risk jumps to 14.2% for those with low-impact chronic pain
✔ Lower SEP = higher vulnerability

Why it matters: Addressing these disparities is critical for improving pain outcomes and population health.

🔗 Read the full story: https://duke.is/w/e8gg

12/24/2025

is changing the game for Durham’s student athletes: delivering hospital-level care right on the sidelines. “Immediate care matters. We can act in seconds, not hours,” says Dr. Harry Stafford. Proud to keep our local athletes safe and strong. https://duke.is/4/f83b

12/24/2025

On the Sidelines, Duke Orthopaedics Delivers.

Durham’s high school athletes are getting championship‑level care thanks to Duke Orthopaedics and Duke Sports Medicine. From Friday night football to mid‑week matchups, our physicians, athletic trainers, and physical therapists are right there on the sidelines—providing immediate, hospital‑level care when every second counts.

With more student‑athletes competing than ever, this collaboration ensures quicker assessments, faster treatment, and smoother recoveries for young athletes across our community.

Dr. Harry Stafford, MD, clinical instructor of Family Medicine, Associate Director, Duke Sports Science Institute, Director, Sports Performance, puts it best: “When an athlete goes down, we’re right there to intervene, stabilize, and potentially save a life. Immediate care matters—and being on the sidelines means we can act in seconds, not hours.”
Proud to support Durham’s athletes. Proud to serve this community. 💙 https://duke.is/4/f83b

12/23/2025

Advancing Shoulder Care for Military Service Members

Duke Orthopaedic Surgery faculty are leading important new research that sheds light on how shoulder disorders affect patients within the Military Health System—and how providers can deliver better, more efficient care.

Through a detailed review of treatment patterns and outcomes, the team identified opportunities to streamline care, reduce delays, and improve recovery for active-duty personnel and veterans.

This work strengthens the evidence base for shoulder care and helps clinicians better support those who serve. 🇺🇸

Learn more: bit.ly/44HCu24

12/08/2025

🤖 Redefining Surgical Robotics

Dr. Brett Rocos, MD, an Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke, discussed his vision at the Seattle Science Foundation’s 10th Annual Robotics Course: The future of robotics extends beyond mechanical arms to include intelligent surgical co-pilots.

This AI-driven shift could revolutionize surgery by enhancing precision, safety, and patient outcomes.

Thank you for spearheading innovation!

12/02/2025

👏 Congrats, Dr. Erica D. Taylor, MD, MBA!

Duke Orthopaedic Surgery celebrates Erica D. Taylor, MD, MBA—Orthopaedic Hand Surgeon and Vice Chair of Culture, Engagement & Impact—for receiving the Duke Fuqua May-Penn Award of Excellence, the highest honor from Fuqua alumni.

Dr. Taylor is recognized for her leadership, mentorship, and dedication to health equity, advancing innovation in care and inspiring future leaders. https://duke.is/v/deeg

11/26/2025

✨ Leading the way in arthroplasty innovation! ✨
We’re proud to celebrate the faculty of ’s adult reconstruction division, whose groundbreaking research and leadership are shaping the future of joint replacement surgery. From advancing implant design to improving patient outcomes, their work is making a global impact. Learn more about these achievements and how Duke is driving innovation in arthroplasty: https://duke.is/c/ap5a

11/14/2025

Spinal Surgery Meets Artificial Intelligence

What if technology could make surgery even safer and more precise? At , that future is already here.

Dr. Brett Rocos, assistant professor of orthopaedic surgery, is pioneering AI-guided spinal surgery, utilizing advanced tools to enable surgeons to plan and execute procedures with remarkable accuracy. This innovation means better outcomes and faster recovery for patients.

“AI gives us the ability to see and plan in ways we never could before. It’s transforming how we approach complex spine surgery,” says Dr. Rocos.

Curious how AI is changing the game in orthopaedics?
Read the full story: https://duke.is/6/5sv6

11/12/2025

🇺🇸 From Battlefield to Operating Room: Orthopaedic Trauma Lessons That Save Lives

We were proud to host Mark E. Fleming, DO, FAAOS, FAOAO, retired U.S. Navy Captain and orthopaedic trauma surgeon, as our Veterans Day Visiting Professor.
Dr. Fleming shared powerful lessons from his service during the War in Afghanistan, including innovations in trauma care and leadership principles:
“Learn how to swim—not just to survive, but to lead. The water’s cold. The current is strong. But you were built for this.”

His research continues to advance interdisciplinary care for amputees and improve prosthetic technology, helping patients return to life after devastating injuries.

duke.is/5/f4qc

11/11/2025

🇺🇸 Honoring Service and Dedication 🇺🇸
This Veterans Day, proudly celebrates the service of our students and residents who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Their leadership, resilience, and commitment to excellence enrich our community and inspire us all.
We’re honored to spotlight four outstanding individuals whose military backgrounds continue to shape their journeys in medicine and patient care.
Thank you to all who have served—and continue to serve—with courage and dedication.
Read more: https://duke.is/g/yrcf

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311 Trent Drive
Durham, NC
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https://ortho.duke.edu/

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