New York Orthopedics Research at NISMAT

Research efforts at NY Orthopedics are coordinated by the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma (NISMAT).  Dr. James A Nicholas founded NISMAT, the first hospital-based institute dedicated to sports medicine in the United States, at Lenox Hill Hospital in 1973.  Since then, NISMAT has played a key role in advancing the field, as well as redefining the focus of sports medicine. Dr. James A Nicholas’s belief in the multidisciplinary nature of sports medicine has dictated that research be pursued at NISMAT in many areas of medicine as they apply to sports and physical activity in individuals at all levels, and across every age group. 

Dr. Stephen J Nicholas is now the Director of NISMAT. Looking beyond the injury itself, like his father before him, Dr. Nicholas seeks to understand not only the best treatment of injuries, but also their mechanisms and causes. At NISMAT, Dr. Nicholas leads a multidisciplinary research team including orthopedic surgeons, pediatricians, cardiologists, nephrologists, physical therapists, exercise physiologists, nutritionists, biomechanists, medical engineers and athletic trainers in research encompassing areas such as randomized clinical trials in orthopedic sports medicine, injury epidemiology, basic and applied research in nutrition, physiology and biomechanics. 

Current ProjectsPublished ResearchResearch Staff

Current Research Projects at New York Orthopedics

The following studies studies are open to all patients of Drs Nicholas, Bedford, Lee and Mendez but patients seeing other NY Orthopedics physicians may be eligible as well.

Surgical Outcomes (SOS) Long Term Surveys Study
  • The purpose of this research study is to collect baseline characteristics of patients undergoing orthopaedic and sports medicine, arthroscopy, and related surgery, and the subsequent outcomes associated with the surgical procedures in order to develop evidence based protocols for the best methods for treating patients with different conditions.
  • This study aims to allow your physician to better review the progress of your treatment and recovery between scheduled follow up visits.
  • To be eligible to participate in this study you must:
    • Be a legal adult (eighteen (18) years of age or older) 
    • Be scheduled for a surgery involving one of the following: elbow, foot or ankle, hand or wrist, hip arthroplasty, hip arthroscopy, knee arthroplasty, knee arthroscopy, shoulder arthroplasty, shoulder arthroscopy 
Total Knee Arthroplasty Registry: Ambulatory vs. Inpatient Care
  • The purpose of this research study is to determine if ambulatory care or inpatient care is more beneficial for a patient receiving a total knee arthroplasty.
  • This study aims to investigate if young and healthy patients undergoing total knee replacements have better outcomes in ambulatory settings compared to in-patient. We will analyze patients with no comorbidities.
  • To be eligible to participate in this study you must:
    • Be a legal adult (eighteen (18) years of age or older) 
    • Cannot satisfy any of the following:
      • Workman’s compensation case
      • Previous distal femoral or proximal tibial osteotomy including tibial tubercle osteotomy procedure
      • Pre-existing hardware that requires removal except cruciate ligament hardware
      • BMI > 40
      • Varus/Valgus deformity > 15 degrees from mechanical axis
      • Blood supply limitations and previous knee infections, which may retard healingForeign body sensitivity
      • Conditions that tend to limit the subject’s ability or willingness to restrict activities or follow directions during the healing period
      • Concomitant procedure with UKA
      • Standard Poly w/ UKA

For this study patients will need to get additional x-rays pre-operatively and 3 months post surgery (that may not be fully covered through their insurance depending on which imaging center they choose to go to and they will need to confirm this for themselves). These x-rays specifically include:

  • Pre-op: Long Limb Standing + merchant
  • 3 month: Long Limb Standing + merchant
  • 2yr, 5yr, 10yr, 15yr: Short view AP/Lateral + merchant (standard in office – not an extra x-ray)
Total Knee Arthroplasty Registry Study FlyerDownload
Total Knee Registry Gait Study
  • The purpose of this research study is to examine gait in Arthrex total knee replacement (TKR) in patients presenting with varus deformity.
  • This study aims to investigate the Arthrex varus total knee replacement post-operatively to provide an analysis of gait progression, which includes knee adduction moment and dynamic frontal knee plane angle. Inclusion criteria will be based on static alignment x-rays on initial exam, with greater than 0 degrees varus.
  • To be eligible to participate in this study you must:
    • Be a legal adult (eighteen (18) years of age or older) 
    • Cannot satisfy any of the following:
      • Workman’s compensation case
      • Previous distal femoral or proximal tibial osteotomy including tibial tubercle osteotomy procedure
      • Pre-existing hardware that requires removal except cruciate ligament hardware
      • BMI > 35
      • Static Knee alignment of < 0 varus
      • Blood supply limitations and previous knee infections, which may retard healingForeign body sensitivity
      • Conditions that tend to limit the subject’s ability or willingness to restrict activities or follow directions during the healing period
      • Concomitant procedure with UKA
      • Standard Poly w/ UKA
      • Any neurological conditions that may affect gait (e.g. Parkinson’s)

For this study patients will need to get additional gait testing using 3-dimensional motion capture at The Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma (NISMAT), located at Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital, 5th Floor 210 E 64th St New York, New York 10065. The gait testing would occur at Pre-op, 6 months, 1 year, 18 months, and 2 years.

Total Knee Arthroplasty Gait Study FlyerDownload

Also, importantly, patients receiving a total joint replacement are encouraged to attend the total joint replacement pre-op class offered for free at Lenox Hill Hospital on Mondays and Wednesdays at 2:00pm. Ideally, for anyone interested in participating in the gait or total knee registry studies, we recommend that they schedule their gait analysis or the long limb standing + merchant x-rays on the same day as the pre-op class at Lenox Hill. Ideally before the class between the hours of 9am-1pm.

Lenox Hill Hospital Total Joint Replacement Pre-Op Class InfoDownload

Walters, B. L., Porter, D. A., Hobart, S. J., Bedford, B. B., Hogan, D. E., McHugh, M. M., Klein, D. A., Harousseau, K., & Nicholas, S. J. (2018). Effect of Intraoperative Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment on Postoperative Donor Site Knee Pain in Patellar Tendon Autograft Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 46(8), 1827–1835. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546518769295 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Roy, T., Nicholas, S. J., & Gleim, G. W. (1999). Reliability and validity of a new method of measuring posterior shoulder tightness. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 29(5), 262–269; discussion 270-274. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.1999.29.5.262 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M. P., Gleim, G. W., & Nicholas, S. J. (1999). Association of KT-1000 measurements with clinical tests of knee stability 1 year following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 29(9), 540–545. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.1999.29.9.540 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M. P., Gleim, G. W., & Nicholas, S. J. (1998). The effect of immediate weightbearing after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 357, 141–148. https://doi.org/10.1097/00003086-199812000-00019 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Calabrese, G. J., Parker, R. D., & Nicholas, S. J. (2000). Electrothermally-assisted capsulorrhaphy (ETAC): a new surgical method for glenohumeral instability and its rehabilitation considerations. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 30(7), 390–400. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2000.30.7.390 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Roy, T., & Gleim, G. W. (2000). Quantification of posterior capsule tightness and motion loss in patients with shoulder impingement. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 28(5), 668–673. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465000280050801 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Campbell, R. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2001). The association of hip strength and flexibility with the incidence of adductor muscle strains in professional ice hockey players. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 29(2), 124–128. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465010290020301 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Hershman, E. B., Nicholas, S. J., Berg, J. H., & McHugh, M. P. (2002). Evidence of abnormal anteroposterior patellar tilt in patients with patellar tendinitis with use of a new radiographic measurement. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 30(3), 396–401. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465020300031501 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Campbell, R. J., Donellan, S., & McHugh, M. P. (2002). The effectiveness of a preseason exercise program to prevent adductor muscle strains in professional ice hockey players. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 30(5), 680–683. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465020300050801 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Hershman, E. B., Glace, B. W., Mullaney, M. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2004). The effect of creatine supplementation on strength recovery after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 32(2), 383–388. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546503261731 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nahow, R. C., Nicholas, S. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2005). Quantifying shoulder rotation weakness in patients with shoulder impingement. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 14(6), 570–574. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2005.03.003 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M. P., Mirabella, M. R., Mullaney, M. J., & Nicholas, S. J. (2006). Risk factors for noncontact ankle sprains in high school football players: the role of previous ankle sprains and body mass index. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 34(3), 471–475. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546505280429 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Mullaney, M. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2006). The role of hip muscle function in the treatment of patellofemoral pain syndrome. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 34(4), 630–636. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546505281808 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Silvers, H. J., Gerhardt, M. B., & Nicholas, S. J. (2010). Groin injuries in sports medicine. Sports Health, 2(3), 231–236. https://doi.org/10.1177/1941738110366820 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Thomas, G. C., Nicholas, S. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2010). Addition of isolated wrist extensor eccentric exercise to standard treatment for chronic lateral epicondylosis: a prospective randomized trial. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 19(6), 917–922. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2010.04.041 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Lee, S. J., Mullaney, M., & McHugh, M. P. (2010). Correction of posterior shoulder tightness is associated with symptom resolution in patients with internal impingement. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 38(1), 114–119. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546509346050 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Mullaney, M. J., Mirabella, M. R., Nicholas, S. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2014). Risk Factors for Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in High School Baseball Pitchers: The Role of Preseason Strength and Range of Motion. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 42(8), 1993–1999. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546514535070 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Schmitt, B. M., Mullaney, M., & Hogan, D. E. (2014). Clinical outcomes of the addition of eccentrics for rehabilitation of previously failed treatments of golfers elbow. International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy, 9(3), 365–370. Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., Schmitt, B. M., Nicholas, S. J., & McHugh, M. P. (2017). Rehabilitation After Hamstring-Strain Injury Emphasizing Eccentric Strengthening at Long Muscle Lengths: Results of Long-Term Follow-Up. Journal of Sport Rehabilitation, 26(2), 131–140. https://doi.org/10.1123/jsr.2015-0099 Cite Download
Tyler, T. F., & Nicholas, S. J. (2007). Rehabilitation of extra-articular sources of hip pain in athletes. North American Journal of Sports Physical Therapy: NAJSPT, 2(4), 207–216. Cite
Trakis, J. E., McHugh, M. P., Caracciolo, P. A., Busciacco, L., Mullaney, M., & Nicholas, S. J. (2008). Muscle strength and range of motion in adolescent pitchers with throwing-related pain: implications for injury prevention. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 36(11), 2173–2178. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546508319049 Cite Download
Sileo, M. J., Lee, S. J., Kremenic, I. J., Orishimo, K., Ben-Avi, S., McHugh, M., & Nicholas, S. J. (2009). Biomechanical comparison of a knotless suture anchor with standard suture anchor in the repair of type II SLAP tears. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery: Official Publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 25(4), 348–354. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2008.10.019 Cite Download
Schachter, A. K., McHugh, M. P., Tyler, T. F., Kreminic, I. J., Orishimo, K. F., Johnson, C., Ben-Avi, S., & Nicholas, S. J. (2010). Electromyographic activity of selected scapular stabilizers during glenohumeral internal and external rotation contractions. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 19(6), 884–890. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jse.2010.05.015 Cite Download
Saperstein, A. L., & Nicholas, S. J. (1996). Pediatric and adolescent sports medicine. Pediatric Clinics of North America, 43(5), 1013–1033. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0031-3955(05)70448-x Cite
Rodriguez, J. A., Bas, M. A., Orishimo, K. F., Robinson, J., & Nicholas, S. J. (2016). Differential Effect of Total Knee Arthroplasty on Valgus and Varus Knee Biomechanics During Gait. The Journal of Arthroplasty, 31(9 Suppl), 248–253. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2016.06.061 Cite Download
Rathod, P. A., Orishimo, K. F., Kremenic, I. J., Deshmukh, A. J., & Rodriguez, J. A. (2014). Similar improvement in gait parameters following direct anterior & posterior approach total hip arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty, 29(6), 1261–1264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arth.2013.11.021 Cite Download
Rabinovich, R. V., & Lee, S. J. (2018). Proximal Row Carpectomy Using Decellularized Dermal Allograft. The Journal of Hand Surgery, 43(4), 392.e1-392.e9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.01.012 Cite Download
Pathare, N. P., Nicholas, S. J., Colbrunn, R., & McHugh, M. P. (2014). Kinematic analysis of the indirect femoral insertion of the anterior cruciate ligament: implications for anatomic femoral tunnel placement. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery: Official Publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 30(11), 1430–1438. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2014.07.017 Cite Download
Parvataneni, H. K., Nicholas, S. J., & McCance, S. E. (2004). Bilateral pedicle stress fractures in a female athlete: case report and review of the literature. Spine, 29(2), E19-21. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.BRS.0000105988.43472.2B Cite Download
Orishimo, K. F., Burstein, G., Mullaney, M. J., Kremenic, I. J., Nesse, M., McHugh, M. P., & Lee, S. J. (2008). Effect of knee flexion angle on Achilles tendon force and ankle joint plantarflexion moment during passive dorsiflexion. The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery: Official Publication of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, 47(1), 34–39. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.jfas.2007.10.008 Cite Download
Orishimo, K. F., Kremenic, I. J., Mullaney, M. J., McHugh, M. P., & Nicholas, S. J. (2010). Adaptations in single-leg hop biomechanics following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy: Official Journal of the ESSKA, 18(11), 1587–1593. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-010-1185-2 Cite Download
Orishimo, K. F., Kremenic, I. J., Deshmukh, A. J., Nicholas, S. J., & Rodriguez, J. A. (2012). Does total knee arthroplasty change frontal plane knee biomechanics during gait? Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 470(4), 1171–1176. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-011-2196-0 Cite Download
Orishimo, K. F., Kremenic, I. J., Lee, S. J., McHugh, M. P., & Nicholas, S. J. (2012). Is valgus unloader bracing effective in normally aligned individuals: implications for post-surgical protocols following cartilage restoration procedures. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-012-2174-4 Cite Download
Orishimo, K. F., Schwartz-Balle, S., Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M. P., Bedford, B. B., Lee, S. J., & Nicholas, S. J. (2018). Can Weakness in End-Range Plantar Flexion After Achilles Tendon Repair Be Prevented? Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 6(5), 2325967118774031. https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967118774031 Cite Download
Nicholas, S. J., Tyler, T. F., McHugh, M. P., & Gleim, G. W. (2001). The effect on leg strength of tourniquet use during anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: A prospective randomized study. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic & Related Surgery: Official Publication of the Arthroscopy Association of North America and the International Arthroscopy Association, 17(6), 603–607. https://doi.org/10.1053/jars.2001.24854 Cite Download
Nicholas, S. J., D’Amato, M. J., Mullaney, M. J., Tyler, T. F., Kolstad, K., & McHugh, M. P. (2004). A prospectively randomized double-blind study on the effect of initial graft tension on knee stability after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 32(8), 1881–1886. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546504265924 Cite Download
Nicholas, S. J., Lee, S. J., Mullaney, M. J., Tyler, T. F., & McHugh, M. P. (2007). Clinical outcomes of coracoclavicular ligament reconstructions using tendon grafts. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(11), 1912–1917. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546507304715 Cite Download
Nicholas, S. J., Nicholas, J. A., Nicholas, C., Diecchio, J. R., & McHugh, M. P. (2007). The health status of retired American football players: Super Bowl III revisited. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 35(10), 1674–1679. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546507302219 Cite Download
Nicholas, S. J., Golant, A., Schachter, A. K., & Lee, S. J. (2009). A new surgical technique for arthroscopic repair of the meniscus root tear. Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy: Official Journal of the ESSKA, 17(12), 1433–1436. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00167-009-0874-1 Cite Download
Nicholas, S. J., Lee, S. J., Mullaney, M. J., Tyler, T. F., Fukunaga, T., Johnson, C. D., & McHugh, M. P. (2016). Functional Outcomes After Double-Row Versus Single-Row Rotator Cuff Repair: A Prospective Randomized Trial. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 4(10), 2325967116667398. https://doi.org/10.1177/2325967116667398 Cite Download
Nicholas, S. J., & Tyler, T. F. (2002). Adductor muscle strains in sport. Sports Medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 32(5), 339–344. https://doi.org/10.2165/00007256-200232050-00005 Cite Download
Nicholas, J. A., & McHugh, M. (2002). Understanding the" Competitive Personality" in Sports Medicine. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE AND SPORTS, 4, 271–272. Cite Download
Mullaney, M. J., McHugh, M. P., Donofrio, T. M., & Nicholas, S. J. (2005). Upper and lower extremity muscle fatigue after a baseball pitching performance. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 33(1), 108–113. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546504266071 Cite Download
Mullaney, M. J., McHugh, M. P., Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., & Lee, S. J. (2006). Weakness in end-range plantar flexion after Achilles tendon repair. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 34(7), 1120–1125. https://doi.org/10.1177/0363546505284186 Cite Download
Mullaney, M. J., & Nicholas, S. J. (2014). Rehabilitation of Shoulder Impingement. Techniques in Shoulder & Elbow Surgery, 15(1), 40–45. https://doi.org/10.1097/BTE.0000000000000010 Cite
McHugh, M. P., Spitz, A. L., Lorei, M. P., Nicholas, S. J., Hershman, E. B., & Gleim, G. W. (1994). Effect of anterior cruciate ligament deficiency on economy of walking and jogging. Journal of Orthopaedic Research: Official Publication of the Orthopaedic Research Society, 12(4), 592–597. https://doi.org/10.1002/jor.1100120416 Cite Download
McHugh, M. P., Tyler, T. F., Gleim, G. W., & Nicholas, S. J. (1998). Preoperative indicators of motion loss and weakness following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 27(6), 407–411. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.1998.27.6.407 Cite Download
McHugh, M. P., Connolly, D. A., Eston, R. G., Kremenic, I. J., Nicholas, S. J., & Gleim, G. W. (1999). The role of passive muscle stiffness in symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 27(5), 594–599. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465990270050801 Cite Download
McHugh, M. P., Tyler, T. F., Nicholas, S. J., Browne, M. G., & Gleim, G. W. (2001). Electromyographic analysis of quadriceps fatigue after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 31(1), 25–32. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2001.31.1.25 Cite Download
McHugh, M. P., Tyler, T. F., Browne, M. G., Gleim, G. W., & Nicholas, S. J. (2002). Electromyographic predictors of residual quadriceps muscle weakness after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 30(3), 334–339. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465020300030601 Cite Download
NISMAT has a multidisciplinary research team led by Dr. Malachy McHugh, PhD. Read more about the staff here.

If you have further questions about our ongoing or past research, please contact us at research@newyorkorthopedics.com.