Welcome
Rachel Frank, MD
Rachel Frank, MD
Associate Professor
CU Sports Medicine
Research
Our research has strong interests in both surgical and non-surgical joint preservation techniques for the knee and shoulder, including novel and minimally-invasive biologic therapies. In addition, we have a particular interest in better understanding and treating both acute and overuse injuries unique to the female athlete. Collaborating with a variety of departments within the University of Colorado School of Medicine as part of a multidisciplinary effort, we are actively involved in dozens of research projects focusing on advancing joint preservation techniques and improving clinical outcomes for patients with sports medicine and shoulder injuries.
Our Research
Joint Preservation, Cartilage Restoration, and Regenerative Medicine Research Our research focuses on improving both surgical and non-surgical treatments focused on joint preservation of the knee, shoulder, elbow, and hip. We utilize basic, translational, and clinical research strategies to evaluate pathology of articular cartilage, subchondral bone, meniscus, synovium, ligament, and tendon to determine how to best approach this patient population. In addition, our research program is heavily invested in better understanding and developing regenerative medicine orthobiologic techniques for the minimally-invasive and/or non-surgical treatment of osteoarthritis and post-traumatic arthritis (ie, the type of arthritis that develops after an ACL tear). In addition to joint preservation research, we have ongoing studies in other areas, including the biomechanics of shoulder instability repair, improving care specific to the female athlete, and enhancing surgical education via surgical simulation training.
Publications
Pubmed link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/?term=rachel+frank
CU Profiles: https://profiles.ucdenver.edu/display/14903913
- Salem HS, Park DH, Thon SG, Bravman JT, Seidl AJ, McCarty EC, Frank RM. Return to Golf After Shoulder Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review. Am J Sports Med. 2020 Jul 17; 363546520923070. PMID: 32678680.
- Schumacher AN, Houck DA, Vidal AF, Wolcott ML, McCarty EC, Bravman JT, Frank RM. Do Older Skiers Have Worse Outcomes After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction Compared With Non-Skiers or Younger Skiers? Orthop J Sports Med. 2020 Jun; 8(6):2325967120923868. PMID: 32596405.
- Schwarz I, Smith JH, Houck DA, Frank RM, Bravman JT, McCarty EC. Use of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) for Operative Shoulder Outcomes. Orthop J Sports Med. 2020 Jun; 8(6):2325967120924345. PMID: 32596406.
Contact Us
Contact Us
Rachel Frank, MD
Rachel.Frank@CUAnschutz.eduRachelFrankMD.com
ColoradoCartilage.com