The primary focus of the UCLA Orthopaedic Biomechanics Laboratory is in sports medicine and orthopaedic surgery, with an expertise in knee injury and repair.

Cover of the UCLA Biomechanics Newsletter

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Our research group consists of David McAllister, MD, Keith Markolf, PhD, and Tyler Clites, PhD

Research Group

David R. McAllister, MD

David R. McAllister, MD

Orthopedic Sports Medicine| Orthopedic Surgery

Dr. McAllister is a Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and chief of the sports medicine service at UCLA. He specializes in all areas of orthopaedic sports medicine and has special expertise in knee ligament injuries and knee ligament biomechanics. In addition to running a busy sports medicine clinic, he is actively involved in research and in the education and mentoring of medical students, residents, and fellows in both the basic science and clinical research arenas.

Tyler Clites, PhD

Tyler Clites, PhD

Dr. Clites is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UCLA, with joint appointments in Bioengineering and in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine.

His research in rehabilitation and augmentation technology is focused on synchronizing the efforts of surgeons and mechatronic engineers to enable co-development of body and machine, in pursuit of bionic performance that is superior to what is possible with mechatronics alone.

About the lab

Dr. McAllister has had a longstanding collaboration with significant contributions and high quality publications in the field of orthopaedic research. His vast experience and expertise from both a clinical and basic science perspective has established the UCLA Orthopaedic Biomechanics Lab as a leader in orthopaedic research. Recently, Dr. Tyler Clites has joined the research team.

The use of a robotic testing system to study knee joint function allows combined motion and force control to measure corresponding kinematic instabilities under simulated physiologic conditions. Our innovative approach provides an opportunity for enhanced studies of tissues that have never before been performed, providing insight into physiologic function and mechanisms of knee injury.

The UCLA Orthopaedic Biomechanics Lab is focused on training future clinician scientists in the area of orthopaedic research. We have had sustained success in mentoring and training the next generation of researchers, from residents and medical students to undergraduate students, graduate students and high school interns. It is a core belief in our lab that teaching passionate young investigators in orthopaedic research is fundamental to the future of our field. 

Recent Publications

Pictures

Ed Cheung, MD and Nirav Joshi, MD working in the lab.
Ed Cheung, MD and Nirav Joshi, MD working in the lab.
Nirav Joshi, MD providing instruction to Katie Moses.
Nirav Joshi, MD providing instruction to Katie Moses.
Ed Cheung, MD presenting at the annual local Longmire Scientific Day
Ed Cheung, MD presenting at the annual local Longmire Scientific Day
Dan Boguszewski, PhD with Justin Mathew and Kent Yamaguchi at the UCLA Josiah Brown Poster Fair.
Dan Boguszewski, PhD with Justin Mathew and Kent Yamaguchi at the UCLA Josiah Brown Poster Fair.