Shoulder Biomotion Laboratory

The Shoulder Biomotion Laboratory begins its 9th year under the direction of Dr. Jon J.P. Warner and Daniel F. Massimini, M.S. The Laboratory is pleased to welcome the new Chief of Sports Medicine, Matthew T. Provencher, M.D., to the team. We are excited about the expertise Dr. Provencher brings to the group, particularly his knowledge of shoulder instability, which he acquired through his many years of treating this condition while in the US military. Dr. Provencher has an established research publication record and through collaboration, we plan to continue that strong tradition at the MGH.

The Laboratory has quickly become a pioneer in the field of shoulder research, specializing in three-dimensional dynamic joint motion analyses. In 2005, we were the first group to use dual plane fluoroscopic imaging to assess the movement patterns of the shoulder. Currently, we are using this technique to investigate the cartilage contact patterns in the young, healthy adult shoulder during dynamic abduction motion. In the future, we plan to investigate joint contact before and after surgical stabilization for shoulder instability. Dr. Provencher’s expertise will greatly add to the significance of this work.

In the fall of 2013, Daniel F. Massimini, M.S., will defend his PhD thesis. Mr. Massimini is a doctoral candidate in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The focus of Mr. Massimini’s thesis is quantifying the dynamic glenohumeral contact mechanics of the young, healthy adult during normal, daily activities of daily living.