Frank, Dr. Cy

Biomechanics

Dr. Cy Frank, MD, 1976, FRCSC, 1980. University of Calgary
Phone 403-220-6881
email: cfrank@ucalgary.ca

Specialty:

Orthopaedic knee surgery; musculoskeletal research on ligament healing and transplantation; gene therapy.

Current Work:

Our first research project involves structure function correlations in normal and healing ligaments. We are studying what causes mechanical deficiencies in ligament scar tissue versus normal ligaments.

Our second project is studying the optimization of ligament transplants (autograft, allograft and xenograft). We are also studying the effects of movement and immobilization on graft biology and biomechanics.

Our third project involves attempting to alter ligament scar tissue via liposome gene-transfer. We aim to modify scar behaviours by changing scar composition indirectly (using a gene-therapy approach).

Our fourth project is studying the relationship between altered gait patterns, increased joint instability and progression of osteoarthritis after ACL transection. We are also studying the effect of subsequent ACL reconstruction on these same parameters.

Desired Outcome:

Our objective is to improve the healing time and resulting quality of ligament replacements in order to prevent recurrent joint instability that may lead to secondary osteoarthritis.