Research at Bone & Joint Institute

Advancing Scientifically Proven Care


Breaking Ground in Muskuloskeletal Research 


‘Best-in-Class’ Outcomes Backed by Data and Analysis


A Multidisciplinary Team of Providers and Researchers 

Our Mission

The Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital is a multidisciplinary group of providers united by the common goal to deliver world class comprehensive musculoskeletal care. In order to achieve this level of ‘best-in-class’ quality outcomes, it is necessary to provide care which is evidence based. This places the collection and analysis of valid and reliable data at the epicenter of the Institute and with it the support for critical thinking, research, education, and innovation. The data and the critical analysis thereof will enable scientifically proven care while simultaneously striving to investigate ways to improve the musculoskeletal health and wellbeing of all individuals locally and around the globe.

Our Team

Heeren S. Makanji, MD

Director of Research

Research

Supervisor, Clinical Trial Unit Leader

• Bethany A. Samperi, CCRP

Nurse Scientist

• Jennifer Hehl, PhD, RN

Senior Scientists

• Matthew J. Solomito, PhD, MS, Lead Scientist

• Sara E. Strecker, PhD, MS

• Andrea T. Kwaczala, PhD, MS

Clinical Research Assistants

• Angie Alban, BS

• Kennedy Drake, MS

• Curtis Mensah, MD, MS

Analytics

Director, Analytics

• Nischala Tolat, MS, MBA, SSBBP, NSLS

Data Manager, Healthcare Informatics

• Angie Rivera
• Carlo Ronca, BS MIS

Clinical Data Analyst

• Caitlin McCracken, MA

Systems Analyst, RTLS

• Guo Yu, MS, Business Systems Analyst


 
Recent Publications and Presentations

2025 Publications

Solomito MJ, Kia C, Makanji H. The Minimal Clinically Important Difference for the Oswestry Disability Index Substantially Varies Based on Calculation Method: Implications to Value-Based Care. Spine. 2025;50(10):707-12.

Solomito MJ, Kostyun RO, Dzurec L, Makanji H. Mental health rather than mental disorders as a predictor of immediate postoperative recovery after elective lumbar fusion: using the PROMIS-10 global mental health T score. Spine. 2025 F;50(3):E46-52.

Solomito MJ, Carangelo R, Makanji H. The minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for total joint arthroplasty outcome measures varies substantially by calculation method. JBJS. 2025;107(9):994-9.

Kostyun RO, Hackett A, Lucchio P, Witmer DK, Solomito MJ. Positive deviance and exploring the role of mental health on early postoperative recovery after total hip arthroplasty: a retrospective analysis using the PROMIS-10 Global Health.  J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2025;33(1):34-41

Solomito MJ, Makanji H. Patient Satisfaction Following Lumbar Fusion Is Associated With Functional Status and Pain More Than the Attainment of Minimal Clinically Important Difference: Implications for Value-Based Medicine. International Journal of Spine Surgery. 2025;19(2):200-6.

Solomito MJ, Makanji H. Responsiveness of the PROMIS Global Health-10 Survey compared with the Oswestry Disability Index in patients undergoing 1-and 2-level lumbar fusions. Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine. 2025;1(aop):1-6.

Baldino JB, Bellas NJ, Solomito MJ, Kumar M, Davis SL. Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) increase time to operating room without increasing postoperative hematologic complications in patients with fragility fractures of the proximal femur. Injury. 2025;56(3):112217

Solomito MJ, Witmer DK, Carangelo RJ. Identifying Patients at Risk for a Facility Discharge Following Elective Total Joint Arthroplasty Using Preoperative Clinical Findings and Patient-Reported Outcome Scores. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2025; 1 (aop).

Grady-Benson JC, Solomito MJ, Kostyun RO, Makanji H, Carangelo RJ. The Preoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS)-10 Global Mental Health T-Score: An Independent Predictor of Immediate Postsurgical Outcomes Following Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2025; 40(6): 1526-1531.

Rivas DD, Solomito MJ, Hehl J, Witmer D, Kostyun RO. In-Hospital Pain Reporting Among Total Knee Arthroplasty Patients with Anxiety Diagnoses. Pain Management Nursing. 2025; 26(3):344-348.

Solomito MJ, Witmer DK, Lucchio P, Kostyun RO. Utility of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global Mental Health T-Score to Identify Patients at Risk for Poor Postsurgical Outcomes Following Total Hip Arthroplasty. The Journal of Arthroplasty. 2025;40(4):929-34.

Megalla M, Grace ZT, Solomito MJ, Ford BT, Bontempo NA. Evaluating the Relationship Between Patients Diagnosed with Anxiety and Depression and Rates of Postoperative Opioid Use in Five of the Most Common Hand Surgeries. Journal of Hand Surgery Global Online. 2025;7(5):100743.

Codispoti V, Solomito MJ. The use of radiofrequency ablation for the management of refractory lower extremity pain associated with lumbar spondylosis: illustrative case. Journal of Neurosurgery: Case Lessons. 2025;9(13).

Connors JP, Strecker S, Nagarkatti D, Carangelo RJ, Witmer D. Increasing Body Mass Index Not Associated With Worse Patient-Reported Outcomes After Primary THA or TKA. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2025;33(2):e114-e123. doi:10.5435/JAAOS-D-24-00154 

Carpenter WL, Strecker SE, Solomito MJ, Carangelo RJ, Witmer DK. Clinical Predictors of the Forgotten Joint Score 12 in Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.02.013 

Gunda B, Strecker SE, Magaldi RJ, Allen DA, Witmer D. Low Resilience Is Predictive of Skilled Nursing Facility Discharge After Total Hip Arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.arth.2025.06.007 

Gunda B, Goldberg L, Alban A, et al. The Effect of the Design of Polyethylene Inserts in Total Knee Arthroplasty on Patient Reported Outcomes. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2025;9(5):e25.00075. Published 2025 May 8. doi:10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-25-00075 

Luong LM, Kostyun RO, Witmer DK, Grady-Benson JC. The Influence of Multiple Modifiable Risk Factors on 30-day Readmissions and 90-day Major Complications After a Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty: An Analysis of a Large Claims Database. JAAOS Global Research & Reviews. 2025;9(2):e24.

Hewitt C, Kostyun R, Fulkerson JP, Shuman ME, Rios CG. Most patients report acceptable knee function, satisfaction, and clinical outcomes at a minimum ten years after quadriceps free tendon anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Rehabilitation. 2025;7(2):101062.

Kwaczala A, Solomito MJ, McCracken C, Makanji H. Medical and Recreational Cannabis Use Influences the Immediate Postoperative Recovery Differently in Patients Undergoing Elective 1 or 2 Level Lumbar Spine Fusion. NASSJ. 2025; (in press).

Goldberg L, Hehl J, Strecker S, Witmer D. Examining Preoperative Patient Education and Preparedness Using Patient-Reported Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Staged Bilateral Total Joint Arthroplasty. Orthopedic Nursing. 2025 (in press)  

Carangelo R, Strecker S, Solomito M, Witmer D. Modular Dual Mobility Implants Lead to Fewer Dislocations than Conventional Hip Implants: A Retrospective Study. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev . 2025 (in press) 

Gunda B, Strecker SE, Magaldi RJ, Allen DA, Witmer D. Pre-Operative Patient Reported Outcomes Can Help Predict Candidacy for Outpatient Total Knee Arthroplasty. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev.  2025 (in press) 

Solomito MJ, Makanji H. Responsiveness of the PROMIS-10 Global compared to the Neck Disability Index in Patients Undergoing 1 and 2 Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). NASSJ. 2025; (in press).

2025 Abstracts

Podium:

Magaldi RJ, Strecker SE, Witmer D. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Complications, Readmissions, and Patient-Reported Outcomes. Podium Presentation at AAOS, March 10-14, 2025, San Diego, CA 

Eisler J, Solomito MJ, Makanji H. Risk Factors Associated with Facility Discharge Following Elective 1 or 2 Level Lumbar Fusion. Podium Presentation, LSRS May 8, 2025, Chicago IL.

Makanji H, Kia C, Esmende S, Solomito MJ, Hahn A. Is the PROMIS-10 Global Just as Responsive as the Oswestry Disability? Rapid Fire. LSRS May 8, 2025, Chicago IL.

Makanji H, Kia C, Esmende S, Solomito MJ. The Minimal Clinically Important Difference for Oswestry Disability Index May Not be the Benchmark to Determine Surgical Success for Elective Lumbar Fusions. Rapid Fire. LSRS, May 8 2025, Chicago IL.

Posters & E-Posters:

Gunda B, Strecker SE, Magaldi RJ, Allen DA, Witmer D. Low Resilience Is Predictive of Skilled Nursing Facility Discharge After Total Hip Arthroplasty. Poster Presented at Northeast Arthroplasty Conference, April 5, 2025, Providence RI 

Gunda B, Strecker SE, Magaldi RJ, Allen DA, Witmer D. Pre-Operative Patient Reported Outcomes Can Help Predict Candidacy for Outpatient Total Knee Arthroplasty. Poster Presented at Northeast Arthroplasty Conference, April 5, 2025, Providence RI 

Carangelo R, Strecker SE, Shekhman M, Witmer D. Uncemented Total Hip Arthroplasty is an Effective Option in an Elderly Population. Poster Presented at Northeast Arthroplasty Conference, April 5, 2025, Providence RI 

Hehl J, Strecker SE, Jidendranath L. Examination of Bacterial Organisms found in Deep Surgical Site Infections following Orthopedic Trauma Surgery at a Level I Trauma Center. Poster Presented at AORN, April 5-8, 2025, Boston MA 

Anderson M, Hodgkins L, Strecker SE, Ronca C, Nguyen E. Postoperative Swelling Management in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Transition from Ace Bandages to Compression Garments. Poster Presented at CT Nursing Research Alliance, October 2025, Hartford CT 

Anderson M, Brennick M, Hodgkins L, Strecker SE, Nguyen E, Moran J, Buckman R. Bridging Pelvic Health and Orthopedics: Multidisciplinary Approach to Managing Postoperative Constipation in Total Joint Arthroplasty. Poster Presented at CT Nursing Research Alliance, October 2025, Hartford CT 

Anderson M, Hodgkins L, McCracken C, Nguyen E, Strecker SE, Burns J. Cessation of Elastic Compression Following Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty. Poster Presented at CT Nursing Research Alliance, October 2025, Hartford CT 

Vasireddi A, Strecker SE, Giles S. DEXA Analysis and Kinesiophobia Assessment in patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Poster Presented at 2025 International Scientific Symposium on the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders, September 17-21, 2025, Toronto, Canada

2025 Presentations
Quality Improvement

Posters:  

Hillery, C., Nguyen, E., Perillo, R., Rivera, A. (2025, May). Multifaceted Approach to Improving Pre-operative and 12 Week Patient Reported Outcome (PROs) Measure Capture. National Association of Orthopedic Nurses Conference in Orlando, FL.  

Murphy, L., Anderson, M., Briglia, E., Ghergurovich, C., Hall, N., Amaro, D., Schroeder, E., Lemeiux, L., Livingston, K., Moran, J., Delton, M., Maroney, K., Buden, C. (2025, May). Overcoming barriers to improve transition before noon at an Orthopedic Institute. National Association of Orthopedic Nurses Conference in Orlando, FL. 

Kierstead, L., Nguyen, E., Davis, S., Kumar, M., Miranda, M., Tiernan, J. (2025, May). Leveraging a Multidisciplinary Committee for Program Quality Improvement for Fragility Hip Fracture Patient Outcomes. National Association of Orthopedic Nurses Conference in Orlando, FL. 

Hehl, J., Strecker, S. (2025, March). Examination of Bacterial Organisms in Deep SSIs following Orthopedic Trauma Surgery. AORN EXPO 2025. Boston, MA.  

Goldberg, L., Cruz, S. (2025, March). Paperless Initiative Provides More Than Cost Savings. AORN EXPO 2025 in Boston, MA. 

Ybarra, K., Nguyen, E., Mitchell, T. (2025, October). Assessing Frailty: An Interdisciplinary Metric for Improving Care for Elderly Hip Fracture Patients. AMRPA Fall Educational Conference in Philadelphia, PA.  

Ybarra, K., Nguyen, E., Mitchell, T., Tolat, N. (2025, March). Scoring Frailty: Maximizing Nurse Navigation to Improve the Care of Fragility Hip Fractures in the Geriatric Population. Connecticut Nurse Research Alliance in Hartford, CT. 

Hillery, C., Nguyen, E., Ronca, C. (2025, October). Launching an Orthopedic Spine Nurse Navigator Role for Rapid Emergent Care. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT.  

Hillery, C., Nguyen, E., Solomito, M., Esmende, S., Makanji, H., Kureshi, I. (2025, October). Taking the “Form Fatigue” out of Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROMs) Capture. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in       Hartford, CT.  

Hillery, C., Nguyen, E., Esmende, S., Darin, C. (2025, October). The Impact of Surgical Factors on Early Mobilization in the Elective Spine Surgery Population. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT.  

Anderson, M., Hodgkins, L., McCracken, C., Nguyen, E., Strecker, S., Burns, J. (2025, October). Cessation of Elastic Compression Following Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT.  

Anderson, M., Brennick, M., Hodgkins, L., Strecker, S., Nguyen, E., Briglia, E., Livingston, K., Murphy, L., Moran, J., Bucknam, R. (2025, October). Implementation of Abdominal Massage to Reduce Constipation in the Total Joint Population. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT.  

Anderson, M., Nguyen, E., Maroney, K., Moran, J., Bucknam, R., Delton, M., Bergeron, K. (2025, October). Optimizing Patient Outcomes for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty Patients. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT.  

Anderson, M., Hodgkins, L., Strecker, S., Ronca, C., Nguyen, E. (2025, October). Postoperative Swelling Management in Total Knee Arthroplasty: Transition from Ace Bandages to Compression Garments. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT.  

Raine, D., Reyes-Lopez, Y., McKogg, C., Hehl, J. (2025, October). Exploring Nurses’ Experiences with Phone Calls to Patients’ Loved Ones During Surgical Cases. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance. Virtual Session.  

Murphy, I., Minicucci, M., Carta, M., Hehl, J. (2025, October). Trialing Reusable Door Signs to Improve Communication Between Operating Room Assistive Personnel and Room Staff. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT.  

Barrett, B., Hayes, K., Hehl, J. (2025, October). Improving the Surgical On-Ramp for Orthopedic Spine and Trauma Services Through a Multidisciplinary Continuous Improvement Process. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT.  

Conway, T. (2025, October). Handle with Care: Preventing Skin Tears in the Orthopedic Operating Room. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT.  

Bolanos, A., Hehl, J., Mickelson, J., Slowkowski, L., Whetham, T. (2025, October). A Joint Effort to Be Hip and Humerus: Development of a Core Orientation Program for Our Orthopedic Specialty Institute. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance. Virtual Session.  

Hehl, J., Cox-Dzurec, L. (2025, October). A Pilot Study Examining Nurse Leaders’ Identification of Norm Violations as Workplace Bullying’s Central Feature. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT. 

Ogino, F., Hehl, J. (2025 October). Improving Student Engagement with a Unique Operating Room Student Case Journal. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT. 

Harrison, C., Hehl, J. (2025, October). Taking the Trauma out of Trauma: Creation of a Resource to Increase Nurses’ Knowledge of How to Respond to Orthopedic Trauma Emergencies. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance. Virtual Session.  

Casey, S., Smith, A., Sinclair, M., Anderson, M., Matney, L., Vye, D., Wells, K., Nguyen, E., Rubbio, T. Recipe for Success: Addressing the Required Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Total Hip and Total Knee Patient Reported Outcome Measure (CMS THA TKA PRO PM). (2025, October). Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT.  

Goldberg, L., Cruz, S. (2025, October). Paperless Initiative Provides More Than Cost Savings. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT. 

Whetham, T., Murphey, L., DeNapoli, N., Santos, C. (2025, October). Training that Sticks: Annual Competency Education for Orthopedic Ambulatory Teams. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT. 

Slowkowski, L., Parker, K., Middleton, A., Hehl, J. (2025, October). Block by Block: Building a Stronger RN Role in Regional Anesthesia. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT.  

Messina, K., Hehl, J. (2025, October). Mentoring in the ICU: Retaining New Nurses and Building a Team. Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance in Hartford, CT.  

Oral Presentations: 

Laura Cox-Dzurec, Jen Hehl. From Surviving to Thriving- Research to Support Nurse Leaders in Addressing Workplace Bullying. Presented at: Sigma Theta Tau, Healthy Work Environments; March, 2025; Phoenix, AZ. 

Emily Nguyen, Kim Hayes, Brittany Barrett, John Tiernan, William Stuart, Lavayna Jitendreneth, Carlo Ronco. Timing Matters: Ancef (Cefazolin) Administration in Orthopedic Surgery Outcomes. Presented at Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance; October 16-17, 2025; Hartford, CT.  

Lisa Slowkowski, Kristen Parker, Allie Middleton, Jen Hehl, Karen Venice, Lynn Massoia. Building Strong Foundations Advancing Perioperative Practice Through Evidence Based Preceptor Development. Presented at: Connecticut Nurses Research Alliance; October 16-17, 2025; Hartford, CT.  

2024 Publications

Solomito MJ, Kostyun RO, Makanji H. The PROMIS-10 Mental Health T-Score: An Independent Predictor of Recovery for Up to 1 Year After Elective Lumbar Spine Fusion. Spine. 2024;49(24):1737-42

Makanji H, Solomito MJ. The oswestry disability index in elective single level lumbar fusion: Is 3 months follow up enough?. North American Spine Society Journal (NASSJ). 2024;20:100571.

Kumar M, Kostyun RO, Solomito MJ, McClure M. Multiple risk factors are associated with an incremental increase in acute venous thromboembolism risk after total joint arthroplasty: A pearldiver cohort study. Plos one. 2024;19(8):e0308813.

Solomito MJ, Garibay EJ, Cohen A, Nissen CW. The Role of the Lead Hip in Collegiate Baseball Pitching: Implications for Ball Velocity and Upper-Extremity Joint Moments. Journal of Applied Biomechanics. 2024; 40(5):399-405.

Solomito MJ, Kostyun RO, Sabitsky JT, Nissen CW. Trends in Ulnar Collateral Ligament Injuries and Surgery From 2010 to 2019: An Analysis of a National Medical Claims Database. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024; 12(11):23259671241290532.

Silver J, Ford BT, Pavano CJ, Bellas N, Hewitt C, Solomito M, McCarthy C. Cannabis use is associated with fewer filled opioid prescriptions after treatment of proximal humerus fractures. Orthopedics. 2024;47(3):147-51.

Solomito MJ, Garibay EJ, Cohen A, Nissen CW. Lead knee flexion angle is associated with both ball velocity and upper extremity joint moments in collegiate baseball pitchers. Sports Biomechanics. 2024;23(12):2626-36.

Nagarkatti A, Strecker S, Nagarkatti D, Witmer D. The Role of Imageless Computer-Assisted Navigation During Total Knee Arthroplasty on Femoral Component Sagittal Alignment and Outcomes. Arthroplast Today. 2024;28:101455. doi:10.1016/j.artd.2024.101455 

Connors JP, Magaldi RJ, Strecker SE, Carangelo RJ, Witmer D. Tranexamic Acid Reduces the Amount of Blood Transfused in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty for Vancouver B2/B3 Periprosthetic Femur Fractures. Orthopedics. 2024;47(5):e261-e267. doi:10.3928/01477447-20240718-05 

Kozyra M, Kostyun R, Strecker S. The prevalence of multisystem diagnoses among young patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorder: A retrospective analysis using a large healthcare claims database. Medicine (Baltimore). 2024;103(41):e39212. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000039212 

Magaldi RJ, Strecker SE, Witmer D. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Complications, Readmissions, and Patient-Reported Outcomes. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2024;8(11):e24.00148. doi:10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-24-00148 

Kostyun RO, Nguyen JC, Chhabra B, Todd R. Lawrence J, Polousky JD, Saper M, Uquillas C, Nissen CW, ROCKET Group, Kostyun RO, Albright J. MRI Features That Contribute to Decision-Making for Treatment of Capitellar OCD Lesions: An Expert Consensus Using the Delphi Method. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024;12(6):23259671241252813.

Gillard KK, Bloedon L, Grady-Benson JC, Edwards A, Fahy S, Sasiela WJ, Louie MJ, Thompson PD. Prevalence of Tendon Rupture and Tendinopathies Among Patients with Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Derived from United States Administrative Claims Data. Cardiology and Therapy. 2024;13(3):575-91.

Antonacci CL, Zeng F, Block A, Davey A, Makanji H. Robotic-assisted spine surgery—a narrative review. Journal of Spine Surgery. 2024;10(2):305.

Antonacci CL, Zeng F, Jackson C, Wellington IJ, Patel SM, Esmende SM. Lateral interbody fusion for adjacent segment disease: a narrative review. Journal of Spine Surgery. 2024;10(2):286.

Antonacci CL, Zeng FR, Ford B, Wellington I, Kia C, Zhou H. A narrative review of endoscopic spine surgery: history, indications, uses, and future directions. Journal of Spine Surgery. 2024;10(2):295.

Brown R, Bendall S, Aronow M, Ramasamy A. Podiatrists who perform surgery: outcomes, regulation, and expanding scope. The bone & joint journal. 2024 1;106(9):884-6.

2024 Abstracts

Podium:

Makanji H, Solomito MJ, Antonacci C, Esmende S. PROMIS-10 Global Mental Health T Score: An independent predictor immediate post-surgical outcomes following single level elective lumbar fusion. LSRS May 3, 2024. Podium, Chicago, IL.

Stewart BP, Kostyun RO, Makanji H, Solomito MJ.  Influence of formal mental health diagnosis on immediate post-surgical outcomes in elective lumbar spine fusion. LSRS, May 3, 2024, Rapid Fire. Chicago, IL.

Makanji H, Solomito MJ, Zeng F, Esmende S. Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID) for the ODI: The Influence of Statistical Methods on Reported Values. LSRS Rapid Fire, May 3, 2024. Chicago IL.

Posters & E-Posters

Magaldi RJ, Strecker SE, Witmer D. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Complications, Readmissions, and Patient-Reported Outcomes. Poster Presented at Northeast Arthroplasty Conference,  March 23, 2024, Providence, RI

Carpenter WL, Strecker SE, Solomito MJ, Carangelo RJ, Witmer DK. Clinical Predictors of the Forgotten Joint Score 12 in Total Knee Arthroplasty. Poster Presented at NEOS,  November 22-23, 2024, Waltham, MA

Goldberg L, Strecker SE, Witmer D.  Patients Undergoing Bilateral Staged Total Joint Arthroplasty Feel More Prepared for their Second Surgery, Yet Outcomes are Equivalent. Poster Presented at CT Nursing Research Alliance, October 2024, Hartford CT

Magaldi RJ, Strecker SE, Witmer D. Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Agonists in Total Hip Arthroplasty: Complications, Readmissions, and Patient-Reported Outcomes. Poster Presented at CT Nursing Research Alliance, October 2024, Hartford CT

Nagarkatti A, Strecker S, Nagarkatti D, Witmer D. The Role of Imageless Computer-Assisted Navigation During Total Knee Arthroplasty on Femoral Component Sagittal Alignment and Outcomes. Poster Presented at CT Nursing Research Alliance, October 2024, Hartford CT

Goldberg L, Strecker SE, Witmer D, Carangelo R. Longer Tourniquet Time in Total Knee Arthroplasty Leads to Increased Pain and MME Consumption. Poster Presented at CT Nursing Research Alliance, October 2024, Hartford CT

Makanji H, Solomito MJ, Zeng F, Esmende S. Elective Lumbar Fusion Patients show minimal change in ODI score after 3 months. LSRS May 3, 2024 Poster. Chicago IL.

Makanji H, Solomito MJ, Kostyun R. Self-reported Mental Health Influences Pain Reporting, Opioid Consumption, and Neck Disability Index Scores in Patients Undergoing Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF). Poster. 2024 Chicago IL.

2024 Presentations 
Quality Improvement

Poster Presentations: 

Hillery, C., Nguyen, E., Perillo, R., Rivera, A. (December 2024). Multifaceted Approach to Improving Pre-operative and 12 Week Patient Reported Outcome (PROs) Measure Capture. Organization of Nurse Leaders Winter Quarterly Conference in Framingham, MA. 

Hehl, J., Foster, K., Zou, P., Santic, J., Ho, E. (2024, October). Examining Operating Room Turnover Activities Across Multiple Service Lines with a Six Sigma Work Process Audit. The 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference in Hartford, CT.  

Parniawksi, M., Remegio, W., Kosturko, M., Hehl, J. ( 2024, October). Building Connections to Refine Our Professional Model. 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference in Hartford, CT. 

Goldberg, L., Strecker, S., Witmer, D., Carangelo, B. (2024, October). Longer Tourniquet Time in Total Knee Arthroplasty Leads to Increased Pain and MME Consumption.  

Parniawksi, M., Remegio, W., Kosturko, M., Hehl, J. ( 2024, October). The 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference in Hartford, CT. 

Murphy, L. Santos, C., Amaro, D. (2024, December). Enhancing healthcare equity: improving access to care for the underserved Orthopedic population. Organization of Nurse Leaders Winter Quarterly Conference in Framingham, MA.  

Murphy, L., Anderson, M., Briglia, E., Ghergurovich, C., Hall, N., Amaro, D., Schroeder, E., Lemeiux, L., Livingston, K., Moran, J., Delton, M., Maroney, K., Buden, C. (2024, December). Overcoming barriers to improve transition before noon at an Orthopedic Institute. Organization of Nurse Leaders Winter Quarterly Conference in Framingham, MA. 

Kosma, K., Nguyen, E., Murphy, L., Cardenas, J., Mckracken,C. (2024, October). The Role of the Nurse Navigator in Closing the Osteoporosis Treatment Gap. The 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference in Hartford, CT. 

Hehl, J., Hunter, J., Doherty, R., Ileassu, H., Johnson, A., Cruz- Hernandez, M. (2024). Operating Room Staff Perceptions of Usability and Accuracy of Preference Cards. Periop ConneCT in New Haven, CT.  

Slowkowski, L., Whetham, T., Maroney, K., Johnson, C., Hehl, J. (2024, December). A Joint Effort to Be Hip and Humerus: Developing a Core Orientation Program for Our Orthopedic Specialty Institute. Organization of Nurse Leaders Winter Quarterly Conference in Framingham, MA. 

Parker, K., Eilers, C., Hehl, J., Massoia, L., Middleton, A., Slowkowski, L. (2024, October). Ongoing Competencies the Wright Way: Refining the Implementation of an Ongoing Competency Model for Perioperative Services.  28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference in Hartford, CT. 

Oral Presentations:

Charlotte Hillery, Emily Nguyen, Rena Perillo, Angie Rivera. Multifaceted Approach to Improving Pre-operative and 12 Week Patient Reported Outcome (PROs) Measure Capture. Presented at the 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference; October 17-18, 2024; Hartford, CT. 

Lauren Murphy, Carmen Santos, Dianne Amaro. Enhancing healthcare equity: Improving access to care for the underserved Orthopedic population. Presented at the 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference; October 17-18, 2024; Hartford, CT. 

Lauren Murphy, Melania Anderson, Elizabeth Briglia, Carol Ghergurovich, Nicole Hall, Dianna Amaro, Ellen Schroeder, Lisa Lemeiux, Karen Livingston, Jennifer Moran, Morgan Delton, Kelsey Maroney, Charlene Buden. Overcoming barriers to improve transition before noon at an Orthopaedic Institute. Presented at the 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference; October 17-18, 2024; Hartford, CT. 

Lynn Kierstead, Emily Nguyen, Stephen Davis, Mandeep Kumar, Michael Miranda, John Tiernan. Leveraging a Multidisciplinary Committe for Program Quality Improvement for Fragility Hip Fracture Patient Outcomes. Presented at the 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference; October 17-18, 2024; Hartford, CT. 

Tabitha Whetham, Sarah Gallagher. Adapting Orientation to Support a New Generation of Nurses: A Quality Improvement Project Utilizing a Tiered Skills Acquisition Model. Presented at the 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference; October 17-18, 2024; Hartford, CT. 

Sarah Gallagher, Tabitha Whetham. Structured Success: Consistent and Sustainable Growth with a Tiered Skills Acquisition Model Toolkit. Presented at the 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference; October 17-18, 2024; Hartford, CT. 

Allison Middleton, Lisa Slowkowski. It’s all fun and games: Reimagining nursing annual competencies to include gamification. Presented at the 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference; October 17-18, 2024; Hartford, CT. 

Jahaira Cardenas, Caitlin Mckracken. The Role of the Nurse Navigator in Closing the Osteoporosis Treatment Gap. Presented at the 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference; October 17-18, 2024; Hartford, CT. 

Jennifer Hehl, Fusae Ogino, Janice Hahn. Entering the Restricted Zone- Experiences of Guiding Students into the Operating Room. Presented at the 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference; October 17-18, 2024; Hartford, CT. 

Jennifer Hehl. Examining the Role of EBP Councils- a part of plenary panel presentation. Presented at the 28th Annual Nursing and Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference; October 17-18, 2024; Hartford, CT. 

2023 Poster Presentations
Quality Improvement

Nguyen, E., Lenk, E., Solomito, M., Jitendranath, L., Briglia, E., Iamonaco, K., Gonzalez, T., Maramba, T., Pearson, M., Talbott, B., Hehl. J. Staying Ahead of Post-Operative Infections: An Infection Prevention Bundled Approach. NAON 43rd Annual Congress in Louisville, KY.

Nguyen, E., Lenk, E., Sinclair, M., Knight, K., Murphy, L., Santos, C., Monson, A., Gomes, M., Buden, C., Bucknam, R., Moran, J., Amaro, D., Briglia, E., Ghergurovich, C. Reducing Unplanned Readmissions: Utilizing an Interprofessional Huddle. NAON 43rd Annual Congress in Louisville, KY

Nguyen, E., Lenk, E., Sinclair, M., Knights, M., Grady Benson, J., Tolat, N. Leveraging Advanced Data Analytics, Process Improvements, and Clinical Interventions Towards Excellence in Healthcare. NAON 43rd Annual Congress in Louisville, KY

Slowkowski, L., Kierstead, L., Stevens, B., Cruz, S., Knights, M., Anderson, M., Maroney, K., Gorley, J. Recovery to Home: A PACU Same-day Discharge A3 Initiative. NAON 43rd Annual Congress in Louisville, KY

Lenk, E., Sinclair, M., Knight, K., Murphy, L. Healing Power of Patient Education: Improving Access to Pre-operative Education Class. NAON 43rd Annual Congress in Louisville, KY

Hirx, S., Hehl, J., Massoia, L., Parker, K., Slowkowski, L. Implementing the Wright Competency Model in Perioperative Service. Hartford Hospital: 27th Annual Nursing & Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference

Hehl, J., Dzurec, L., Avanecean, D. (You Got to Have) Friends:1 Why courtesy and respect alone are inadequate to fostering effective commitment to Evidence-Based Practice and Quality Improvement in Nursing. Hartford Hospital: 27th Annual Nursing & Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference

Hehl, J., Skipper, J., Berry, S., Talbott, B., Abrha, F.G., Conway, T. And Then She Asked the Question – “Are Sterile Wash Basins on the Back Table a Good or Bad Idea?” A Systematic Literature Review to Determine Best Practice. Hartford Hospital: 27th Annual Nursing & Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference

Hehl, J., Dzurec, L., Avanecean, D., Corbett, L., Ritchie, J. Adopting the ARCC© Model and Taking Our First Step: The Assessment. Hartford Hospital: 27th Annual Nursing & Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference

Goldberg, L., Cruz, S. Wired for Change: Teamwork and Safety Leads to OR and SPD Relationship Building. Hartford Hospital: 27th Annual Nursing & Research Evidence-Based Practice Conference

Sinclair, M., Jose, M., Meisterling, L., Kureshi, I., Kilbourn, K., Firestone, D. Operating Room Efficiency: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Improve Operating Room First Case on Time Starts for the Neurosurgical Population. NAON 43rd Annual Congress in Louisville, KY

Hehl, J., Pearson, M., Hayes, K. Opening the OR Doors to Foster Culture Change and Fill Vacancies. ONL Regional Winter Quarterly Meeting in Framingham, MA.

Murphy, L. Enhancing healthcare equity: Improving access to care for the underserved Orthopaedic population. NAON 43rd Annual Congress in Louisville, KY

Kosma, K., Lenk, E. Closing the Osteoporosis Treatment Gap for Fragility Hip Fracture Patients. NAON 43rd Annual Congress in Louisville, KY
Kosma, K., Perez, C. MODIFY Program: Decreasing Modifiable Risk Factors Prior to Orthopedic Surgery. NAON 43rd Annual Congress in Louisville, KY

Goldberg, L., Strecker, S., Witmer, D. Patient Outcomes in Staged Bilateral Total Joint Arthroplasty. Association of periOperative Registered Nurses

Goldberg, L., Strecker, S., Witmer, D. The Effect of IntraOp Ropivicaine on Postop Pain in Total Hip Arthroplasty. Association of periOperative Registered Nurses.

2022 Publications

Connors, J. P., Lindsay, A. D., & Witmer, D. K. (2022). Cephalomedullary Nail as a Definitive Antibiotic Spacer for Multidrug Resistant Periprosthetic Infection of a Proximal Femoral Endoprosthesis. Techniques in Orthopaedics. https://doi.org/10.1097/BTO.0000000000000559

Esmende, S. M., Solomito, M. J., Eisler, J., Finkel, K. J., Kainkaryam, P. P., Maffeo-Mitchell, C. L. (2022). Utility of the transversus abdominis plane and rectus sheath blocks in patients undergoing anterior lumbar interbody fusions. Spine Journal, 22(10):1660-1665.

Geiselmann, M. T., Goldberg, L. K., Strecker, S. E., & Witmer, D. K. (2022). Does the Use of an Intra-Articular Local Anesthetic Injection During Total Hip Arthroplasty Reduce Patient Reported Pain Scores or Patient Opioid Consumption? The Journal of Arthroplasty37(4), 748–754.

Howard, E. E., Margolis, L. M., Fussell, M. A., Rios, C. G., Meisterling, E. M., Lena, C. J., Pasiakos, S. M., & Rodriguez, N. R. (2022). Effect of High-Protein Diets on Integrated Myofibrillar Protein Synthesis before Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study. Nutrients14(3). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14030563

Magaldi, R. J., Strecker, S. E., Nissen, C. W., Carangelo, R. J., & Grady-Benson, J. (2022). Preoperative Factors to Assess Risk for Postoperative Urinary Retention in Total Joint Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Analysis. Arthroplasty Today13, 181–187.

Nissen, C. W., Albright, J. C., Anderson, C. N., Busch, M. T., Carlson, C., Carsen, S., Chambers, H. G., Edmonds, E. W., Ellermann, J. M., Ellis, H. B., Jr, Erickson, J. B., Fabricant, P. D., Ganley, T. J., Green, D. W., Grimm, N. L., Heyworth, B. E., Po, J. H. H., Kocher, M. S., Kostyun, R. O., … ROCK Group. (2022). Descriptive Epidemiology From the Research in Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Knee (ROCK) Prospective Cohort. The American Journal of Sports Medicine50(1), 118–127.

Witmer, D., Solomito, M. J., Kumar, M., Shearier, E., & Davis, S. (2022). Efficacy and Safety of Locally Injected Tranexamic Acid in Hip Fracture Patients: A Retrospective Review. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma36(3), 147–151.

2021 Publications

Kahan, J. B., Schneble, C. A., Applonie, R., Nicholson, A., Whittall, I., Talley-Bruns, R., Jorgensen, A., LaVette, N., Moran, J., Ware, J. K., Lee, F. Y., & Blaine, T. A. (2021). Early success of the arthroscopic-assisted locked loop suprapectoral biceps tenodesis. JSES Reviews, Reports, and Techniques1(2), 96–101.

Kia, C., & Esmende, S. (2021). Robotic-assisted Spine Surgery: A Review of its Development, Outcomes, and Economics on Practice. Techniques in Orthopaedics36(3), 272.

McGrath, M., Spira, B., Grady-Benson, J., Bruning, P., Kress, K., Belniak, R., Golladay, G. J., & Damodar, D. (2021). The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Physicians 'Perception of Digital Health in Orthopedics. Journal of Orthopedic Experience & Innovation, 3.

Tomasevich, K. M., Moradi, S., & Lindsay, A. D. (2021). Chondrosarcoma Arising in Synovial Chondromatosis of the Hip. In JBJS Case Connector, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.2106/jbjs.cc.20.00724

Presentations

Regina Kostyun, Sara E. Strecker, John Magaldi. The Prevalence of Multisystem Diagnoses Among Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder: A Retrospective Analysis Using a Large Healthcare Claims Database.  Presented at: 2022 International Scientific Symposium on the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders; Sept 14-18, 2022; Rome, Italy.

Sara E. Strecker, John Magaldi. Ehlers-Danlos: Physician Perspectives in Ehlers-Danlos. Presented at: 2022 International Scientific Symposium on the Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders; Sept 14-18, 2022; Rome, Italy.

Jesse Eisler, Matthew Solomito. Determining the Utility of the RAPSF Score as a Means of Predicting Post-Surgical Outcomes Following Elective Lumbar Fusions. Presented at: LSRS; April 2022; Chicago, IL.

Sean Esmende, Matthew Solomito, Jesse Eisler, Kevin Finkel, Pranjali Kainkaryam, Carla Maffeo-Mitchell. Utility of the Transversus Abdominis Plane and Rectus Sheath Blocks in Patients Undergoing Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion. Presented at: LSRS; April 2022; Chicago, IL.

Heeren Makanji, Matthew Solomito, Sean Esmende, Carla Maffeo-Mitchell, Kevin Finkel. Utility of the Erector Spinae Plane Block in Posterior and Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusions. Presented at: LSRS; April 2022; Chicago, IL.

Mandeep Kumar, Regina Kostyun, Gilbert Agyeman, Connor Seeley, Ilene Staff. Fever is a Common and Largely Benign Finding in Patients Undergoing Total Joint Arthroplasty (TJA): A Retrospective Analysis of 3939 Patients. Presented at: 17th Annual Perioperative Medicine Summit; March 4-6, 2022; San Diego, CA.

Iva Brinley, Elizabeth Briglia, Donna Jones, Mikaela Dunn, Jenna Ouellette, Makaila Sinclair, Erica Braudrick, Regina Kostyun, Sherry Stohler. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs Toward Early Mobilization for Orthopaedic Patients: A Descriptive Survey of an Intra-Professional Team. Presented at: CT Nursing Research Alliance; October 22, 2021; Hartford, CT.

Leah Goldberg, Daniel K. Witmer, Sara E. Strecker. Does the Use of an Intraoperative Local Anesthetic Injection During Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Reduce Postoperative Opioid Use or Patient Reported Pain Scores? Presented at: CT Nursing Research Alliance; October 22, 2021; Hartford, CT.

Erica Braudrick, Sara E. Strecker, William Nolan. Multimodal Analgesia is Superior to Opiates Alone After Tibial Fracture in Patients with Substance Abuse History. Presented at: National Association of Orthopedic Nurses (NAON); May 22-25, 2021; Palm Springs, CA.

The ROCK Group. A Descriptive Epidemiology of Our First 1000 Patients. Presented at: POSNA Annual Meeting; May 12-15, 2021; Dallas, TX.

Robert J. Carangelo, Robert J. Magaldi, Sara E. Strecker, Tracy Gonzalez, Daniel Beaupre. High Pre-Operative Post Void Residual Volume May Predict Straight Catheterization Following Total Hop Arthroplasty. Presented at: American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS); March 9-13, 2021; San Diego, CA

Presentations
Nursing Research

Wendy Savarese, Shelby Greco, Lisa Slowkowski. High and Low Fidelity Simulation for Perianesthesia Skills Review. Presented at: Connecticut Nursing Research Alliance 26th Annual Evidence Based Practice Conference; October 7th, 2022; Virtual.

Erica Lenk, Sherry Stohler, Lavanya Jitendranath. A Descriptive Examination of Bacterial Organisms Found in Deep Surgical Site Infections Following Orthopedic Trauma Surgery at a Level I Trauma Center. Presented at: Connecticut Nursing Research Alliance 26th Annual Evidence Based Practice Conference; October 7th, 2022; Virtual.

Makaila Sinclair, Tabitha Whetham, Lavanya Jitendranath, Sherry Stohler. Staying Ahead of Post-Operative Infections: Pre-Incision Cefazolin Optimization in the Orthopedic Operating Room. Presented at: Connecticut Nursing Research Alliance 26th Annual Evidence Based Practice Conference; October 7th, 2022; Virtual.

Erica Lenk, Monika Nelson, Bethany Ayotte, Carmen Santos, Melissa Gomes. Alcohol Screening and Intervention at a Level I Trauma Center for Patients Presenting Following a Traumatic Event. Presented at: Connecticut Nursing Research Alliance 26th Annual Evidence Based Practice Conference; October 7th, 2022; Virtual.

Karen Livingston, Iva Brinley, Makaila Sinclair, Erica Braudrick, Sherry Stohler, Regina Kostyun. The Impact of Patient Engagement on Length of Stay and Patient Satisfaction in Orthopedics. Presented at: Connecticut Nursing Research Alliance 26th Annual Evidence Based Practice Conference; October 7th, 2022; Virtual.

Sarah B. Cruz, Michael Snow, Christopher Johnson, Mark Pearson, David Mintell, Nicholas Tranchina, Sara Strecker, Jennifer Hehl. Utilizing an A3 Lean Methodology to Reduce Immediate Use Steam Sterilization in Orthopaedic Operating Rooms. Presented at: Connecticut Nursing Research Alliance 26th Annual Evidence Based Practice Conference; October 7th, 2022; Virtual.

 

 
Upcoming Research Opportunities

Motion Analysis in Patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Research Study

A Prospective Research Study Evaluating the Gait Characteristics of Patients with Diagnosed Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.

Sara Strecker, PhD, in conjunction with the Motion Analysis Lab at the Bone & Joint Institute, is conducting a study to evaluate gait and physical therapy parameters in patients with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome compared to healthy adults.

Eligibility Criteria (EDS Patients)

  • Patients 18 – 55 years of age
  • Patients with a diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos either through clinical correlation or via genetic consultation
  • No history of major surgery on the legs or back (joint replacement / spinal fusion)

Eligibility Criteria (Healthy Adults)

  1. Age 18-55 years of age
  2. No history or suspicion of hypermobility or a score of less than 4 on the Beighton Scale 
  3. No history of major surgery on the legs or back (joint replacement / spinal fusion)

Please contact the Bone and Joint Research Department at BJIResearch@hhchealth.org or 860.972.5933 for more information.

Research at Bone & Joint Institute

         

         

         

         

Hartford Hospital

Bone & Joint Institute

The Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital is a multidisciplinary group of providers united by the common goal to deliver world class comprehensive musculoskeletal care.

About the Bone & Joint Institute