"The OTA Resident Research Grant facilitated my opportunity to contribute to orthopaedic trauma care through translational research. With the help of OTA grant support, our group is investigating the effect of local application of fetuin (α2-HS glycoprotein) on heterotopic ossification in a rat model of blast combat-related extremity trauma. Traumatic heterotopic ossification causes significant morbidity following orthopaedic injury despite current prophylaxis strategies. The serum glycoprotein fetuin, or α2-HS glycoprotein, has been shown to inhibit hydroxyapatite crystallization in vitro and inhibit BMP-induced osteogenesis. If fetuin demonstrates an impact on extra-skeletal bone formation in this in vivo rat extremity trauma model, further study of its utility as a heterotopic ossification prophylactic agent may be justified.
Carrying out this study has provided me with an appreciation for the complexities of the translational research that is foundational for advancements in trauma care, and I appreciate the generosity of donors in supporting our work and this invaluable experience."
Evaluation of Fetuin (α2-HS glycoprotein) for Heterotopic Ossification Prophylaxis in a Rat Model
Conor McCarthy, MD, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
Co-Principal Investigators: B. Kyle Potter, MD, Thomas Davis, PhD