Genes Extend Life and Protect Against Cancer
A person is 100 times more likely to get cancer at age 65 than at age 35. But new UCSF research identifies naturally occurring processes that allow many genes to both slow aging and protect against cancer in the much-studied C. elegans roundworm.

Once-a-year Drug Reduces Fractures From Osteoporosis
A treatment for osteoporosis delivered once a year is as effective as current monthly or weekly osteoporosis regimens at reducing the incidence of bone fractures, according to a new study led by a UCSF research team.

Chair's Message

Thomas Parker Vail, M.D., discusses a busy season for the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, including new recruits, research and clinical advances, and improved infrastructure.

Trauma's Past and Future at UCSF

UCSF has a long history of excellence and innovation in trauma care. UCSF physicians, who have long been at the forefront of new techniques and technology, took part in the development of the first complete program for trauma care in the nation. Now the program is expanding in ways that will allow UCSF physicians to transfer their skills to other orthopaedic surgeons throughout the region and promote basic research that may fundamentally alter orthopaedic trauma care in the future.

Research for Faster Fracture Healing

Why do some people with bone fractures heal quickly and others heal slowly? Of the 7 million fractures that occur in America every year, roughly 7 percent don't heal as quickly as they should. UCSF researchers are studying bone growth at the cellular and molecular levels to develop more effective clinical treatments and speed healing.

Orthopaedic and Plastic Surgeons Work Hand in Glove

Complex trauma cases may take multiple, staged surgeries by both orthopaedic surgeons and plastic surgeons. With such complex cases involving separate surgical teams, the best outcomes occur when the two work hand in glove with each other. The UCSF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has built a combined orthopaedic surgery and plastic surgery service that promotes regular communication between the two groups and creates a foundation for the best care possible.

Case Study — Collaboration Saves Leg

John Keenan, a 53-year-old motorcyclist, was broadsided by a car, giving him a grade IIIB open tibial shaft with extensive soft tissue loss. Cooperation between orthopaedic surgeons and plastic surgeons saved Keenan's leg.

UCSF/SFGH Surgical Training Center

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery's new Surgical Training Center comprises a six-bed, digitally simulated operating room and state-of-the-art conference center at San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH). Live surgical dissections by expert surgeon instructors will provide hands-on instruction on the latest equipment and techniques related to fracture care and trauma surgery.

Trauma Course

The Third Annual San Francisco Orthopaedic Trauma Course will be held from May 1 to May 4, 2008 at the InterContinental Hotel in San Francisco. National and international leaders in orthopaedic traumatology will conduct didactic lectures, case presentations and hands-on workshops with the latest implants and technologies. The course is now open for registration.

CME Courses

See information on upcoming continuing medical education courses.

Grand Rounds

See information on upcoming Grand Rounds.

Referral Liaison Service

The Referral Liaison Service provides assistance and information to referring physicians, medical groups and health plans. For help regarding UCSF Medical Center and UCSF Children's Hospital, please call the liaison service or visit www.ucsfhealth.org/healthprofessionals.

Transfer Center

The UCSF Transfer Center is open 24 hours daily to coordinate the transfer of your patients to UCSF Medical Center from hospitals throughout the region.

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