Accelerating Excellence in Evidence-Based Research
Driving Innovation. Improving Outcomes. Advancing the Profession.
At AOSSM, research isn’t just a priority — it’s the engine that propels sports medicine forward. Through evidence-based discovery, we advance knowledge, develop innovative treatments, and improve outcomes for athletes at every level.
AOSSM’s Research Goals:
- Support Research Careers
- Develop and Disseminate Science Informed Resources
Building the Future of Research
Research stands as a core pillar of AOSSM’s Strategic Plan. We empower our members to lead breakthroughs that prevent injuries, enhance recovery, and elevate patient care. Across every career stage, AOSSM provides resources to help researchers grow and excel through:
- Grants and Awards that recognize and fund outstanding research
- Pilot funding for high-risk, high-reward ideas
- Research Workshops that sharpen skills and methods
- Mentorship Programs connecting early-career scientists with expert investigators
- Engagement in the FDA’s Total Product Life Cycle Advisory Program (TAP) to accelerate innovation from concept to clinical application
Advancing Evidence Through Collaboration
AOSSM partners with the broader scientific community to ensure that discoveries translate into real-world practice. We drive the dissemination of cutting-edge, evidence-based science through:
- Scientific Think Tanks and collaborative research efforts
- Expert Consensus Statements and Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Translation and Cultural Adaptation of key clinical tools such as the IKDC Subjective Knee Form
- Registry Data that informs and refines best practices
Together, these initiatives bring AOSSM’s strategic vision to life — improving patient care and shaping the future of sports medicine.
2026–2028 Funding Priorities:
Our research focus areas reflect the evolving challenges and opportunities in orthopaedic sports medicine:
- Return to Sport/Play
- Youth Sports Injuries and Early Sports Specialization
- Basic Science, Clinical Trials and Translational Research
- Long-Term Effects of Sports Medicine Interventions
- Multicenter Research
- Clinical Outcomes
- Biologics
- Osteoarthritis
- Emerging Technologies
- Sports Medicine Innovation
- Surgical Techniques
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We are deeply grateful to our donors and partners whose generosity sustains AOSSM’s leadership in orthopaedic sports medicine research. With their continued support, we will keep investing in discoveries that strengthens the profession — on and off the field.
Research Highlights
AOSSM Launches Strive for Five Campaign
The five-year, $5 million fundraising campaign invites members and supporters to invest in the future of sports medicine. Read More
IKDC Subjective Knee Form Now Available in PROMIS HealthMeasures and REDCap
AOSSM has announced that the revised International Knee Documentation Committee Subjective Knee Form (IKDC SKF) is now available through PROMIS HealthMeasures and REDCap as a computer adaptive test and 8-item short form. The update streamlines data collection, improves efficiency, and expands access to one of the most widely used knee-specific patient-reported outcome measures. Read More
$ 200,000 Awarded for Research Grants with Special Focus on the Military
The Orthopaedic Consortium, involving AOSSM, AANA, and SOMOS, announces the third year of $200,000 in grant funding aimed at advancing research in orthopaedics with special focus on the military. Read More
Catalyst™ Research Mentorship Program
Led by AOSSM, AANA, and SOMOS, Catalyst™ is a new 18-month mentorship program for early-career sports medicine clinicians (2–7 years in practice), offering online learning, virtual sessions, and in-person collaboration. The program pairs participants with senior research mentors to build skills in study design, collaboration, and grant writing—culminating in a competitive funding proposal. Read More
Orthopaedic Consortium Awards $200,000 in Research Grants with Special Focus on the Military
The Orthopaedic Consortium, involving AOSSM, AANA, and SOMOS, awarded $200,000 in grants to support military-focused orthopaedic research. Read More
Two Major Grant Awards Announced During 2024 Presidential Address
At the AOSSM 2024 Annual Meeting, President Dean C. Taylor, MD, announced a $200,000 grant awarded to Dr. Christian Lattermann for his research on a return-to-play decision-making tool and a $75,000 MAST grant to Dr. Patrick Mescher for his study on using virtual reality for advanced arthroscopy skills development. Read More