Research at Shriners Children's St. Louis

Thanks to the dedication of our physicians and researchers, the dream that scientific breakthroughs will give doctors the tools and medicines to cure disease is becoming reality.

Our director of research, Farshid Guilak, Ph.D., joined The Research Center at Shriners Children's St. Louis as part of our long-standing collaboration with the Washington University School of Medicine. He is one of the world's most prominent and acclaimed research scientists. Dr. Guilak leads doctors and scientists as they work to find new ways to heal children with complex medical needs.

The areas of research that we're involved in currently include:

• Scoliosis
• Clubfoot
• Limb lengthening
• Hand surgery
• Other pediatric conditions

Recognized Leaders in Regenerative Medicine

Dr. Guilak is also renowned for his research in the field of regenerative medicine which focuses on finding innovative, next-generation treatments for a painful joint condition called osteoarthritis.

Using cutting-edge technology Dr. Guilak's team is developing new approaches to treatment that may one day allow our patients to naturally regrow bone and cartilage. One of this team's most recent breakthroughs includes:

• Uncovering an important link between the stress placed on cells in joints and the development of osteoarthritis

This work has the potential to find new ways to use the body's own cells to stop pain before it starts, eliminating the patient's need for pain medication.

Many of the studies being done by Dr. Guilak's team are regularly featured in some of the nation's leading medical and scientific journals.

The work being done at the Shriners Children's St. Louis Research Center is an integral part of the system-wide Shriners Children's research program, driving to find cures and treatments that allow us to provide amazing care to children everywhere.