RESEARCH

Outcomes-Based
Research

Improving Patient Outcomes

The VSON Research and Education Foundation is dedicated to leading the way in patient outcomes research.


We conduct clinical studies both independently and in collaboration with the physicians of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery, as well as in partnership with leading medical device companies, such as Medtronic and Zimmer Biomet, which are making significant strides in advancing medical technology.

Studies are carried out with the goal of understanding how patient outcomes can be improved by incorporating innovative technologies, preventative measures, and therapeutics into care plans. Findings are presented and published to share knowledge and improve outcomes for all orthopaedic patients.


Advancing the Capabilities of Sports Medicine

The VSON Research and Education Foundation conducts clinical research studies with the goal of understanding how to improve patient outcomes. Our comprehensive research program spans all sub-specialties: hand, foot, ankle, knee, hip, spine, elbow, shoulder, sports medicine, and regenerative medicine. 

Current Studies

Knee

  • ROSA Total Knee Post Market Study: prospective multicenter U.S. study of the ROSA Total Knee System
  • Assessing the accuracy of the ROSA Total Knee System implementation plan used for primary total knee arthroplasty 
  • A comparison of early outcomes for total knee arthroplasty using either a conventional technique or ROSA Total Knee System

Spine

  • Prospective, Randomized, Controlled, Blinded Pivotal Study in Subjects Undergoing a Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion (TLIF) at One or Two Levels Using Infuse Bone Graft and The Capstone Spinal System with Posterior Supplemental Fixation for the Treatment of Symptomatic Degenerative Disease of the Lumbosacral Spine
  • A multicenter, prospective, randomized, clinical trial comparing the safety and effectiveness of the Baguera C cervical disc prosthesis to the Mobi-C cervical disc for the treatment of patients with symptomatic cervical disc disease at a single level.
  • A multicenter, prospective, randomized, clinical trial comparing the safety and effectiveness of the Baguera C cervical disc prosthesis to the Mobi-C cervical disc for the treatment of patients with symptomatic cervical disc disease at two contiguous levels.
  • Retrospective evaluation of outcomes for minimally invasive awake spine surgery cases conducted at high altitude

Hand

  • Examining the association between metacarpal head shape and the incidence of complete rupture of the ulnar collateral ligament of the thumb

About Outcomes-Based Research

 Vail-Summit Orthopaedic Foundation is devoted to advancing knowledge in the field of orthopaedic medicine for the public benefit. The primary function of VSOF is to conduct and disseminate medical research. Most of our research takes the form of clinical outcomes investigations, or outcomes-based research.


Understanding how orthopaedic sports medicine treatment decisions and the overall health care process affect patients’ health and well being leads us all – patients, physicians, health care practitioners and policy makers – to optimal treatment choices.


To gather the information and data necessary to conduct our outcomes research, VSOF interacts with the medical clinics of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics, PC, and other local medical clinics in Eagle and Summit Counties, Colorado.


VSOF presents and publishes our findings in order to share with the public information that is imperative in determining best outcomes for orthopaedic patients. This reporting includes local, regional, national and international meetings, conferences and publications.


The clinical research department conducts orthopaedic clinical trials in such sub-specialties as hand, foot, ankle, knee, hip, spine, elbow, shoulder and sports medicine. 


Examples of this research are listed below.


  • Orthopaedic Outcome-Based Research: 
  • IDE (Investigational Device Exemption) Studies 
  • IND (Investigational New Drug) Studies 
  • Industry-Sponsored Studies 
  • Investigator-Initiated Studies 
  • Randomized, Controlled Trials 
  • Case Studies 
  • Full-Service Clinical Trail Management Strategies: 
  • Experimental Design/ Protocol Development 
  • IRB Management 
  • Data Management 
  • Statistical Support and Data Analysis 
  • Medical Writing of Manuscripts and Abstracts 
  • Presentation Development 
  • Fellowship Program


The Fellowship Program will be a joint venture between VSOF, VSO and a University. While training with VSO physicians in their subspecialties, Fellows work with VSOF research staff to complete multiple research projects worthy of submission to peer-reviewed journals.


View Publications

Support the VSON Research & Education Foundation

MAKE A GIFT

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the VSON Research and Education Foundation relies solely on external financial support to fund all Foundation efforts.


Contributions are tax-deductible and directly support efforts to improve treatment outcomes and provide the best orthopaedic care possible for our mountain community-based patients through investigation, innovation, education, and collaboration.


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