News & Events

March 3, 2026 - TCO

Advancing Orthopedic Innovation: Highlights from the 2026 TCO Research & Education Annual Meeting

At Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO), research and education remain central to our mission of advancing patient care and strengthening collaboration across the orthopedic community.

This February’s Research & Education Annual Meeting showcased significant innovations and impactful research from our multidisciplinary team. Designed for the full spectrum of orthopedic professionals—including physicians, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and athletic trainers—the event highlighted the expertise and forward thinking work, driving progress from surgery to sports performance.

Expert Insights and Meaningful Discussion

Presenters from TCO, Training HAUS, and Preventive Cardiology Clinic delivered focused sessions on key clinical and performance topics. Interactive Q&A segments fostered productive dialogue, supporting shared learning and further exploration of emerging ideas.

Exploring New Frontiers in Orthopedic Research

The meeting highlighted research and advancements across key areas of orthopedic care.

Extremities Research: Presentations highlighted innovative treatment approaches for adolescent spondylolysis, analysis of non union/complication rates in first metatarsophalangeal joint revision surgeries, correlations between peak plantarflexion angle and biomechanical outcomes in Achilles tendon repair, and a clinical evaluation identifying the most stable repair method for ankle syndesmosis injuries.
Bio Lab and Sports Science: Mitchell Carlson shared updates from six 2025 Bioengineering Lab projects, including findings from the AOSSM 2025 Cabaud Award–winning study demonstrating that increased posterior tibial bone loss contributes to instability after ACL reconstruction, while adding an LET reduces that instability. Training HAUS Sports Science presentations included early research on the relationship between eccentric strength training and performance variables in change of direction and curved running tasks, publication updates on single leg squat testing after ACLR, and year over year growth in Sports Science Lab analyses (Running +38%, TRAC Knee +8%, overall lab volume +18%).
Preventive Medicine: In collaboration with Health Quotient, Preventive Cardiology Clinic’s Dr. Elizabeth Klodas presented findings on cardiometabolic risk among law enforcement professionals—identifying them as a high risk population requiring early, proactive prevention and intervention strategies.
Hip and Knee Research: Topics included outcomes after complete radial lateral meniscal tear repair and an overview of an AOSSM 2026 Cabaud Award finalist study examining how posterior tibial slope affects anterior tibial translation in the setting of ACL and PM meniscus injuries. Additional updates covered ongoing studies evaluating kinematic and kinetic variables after hip arthroscopy, the relationship between ACL RSI and quadriceps LSI, and progress across several complex knee research initiatives.

Strengthening Our Commitment to Excellence

We remain dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in orthopedic care. By hosting events like this, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering our team and advancing orthopedics for the benefit of our patients and communities.

Thank You to Our Participants and Supporters

We extend our gratitude to everyone who attended and contributed to this year’s meeting. Your dedication to research and education is shaping the future of orthopedic care. We also thank the TCO Foundation for continuing to support research and education efforts.

Extremities, Sports Science, Bio Lab, and other

Lower Extremity: Hip and knee

Interested in helping advance research and education at Twin Cities Orthopedics? Learn more about the TCO Foundation and donate today to help drive innovation and education.

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