MAST Research Initiative

This grant aims to support projects that contribute to advancements in the areas of biologics, surgical skill development, return to sport or duty, and patient reported outcomes.

Applications must pertain to pre-clinical or clinical research that aims to improve orthopaedic treatment, techniques, and/or populations within the initiatives outlined. Applications may focus on any population, subset, or demographic; however certain consideration may be applied to submissions with a military populace focus. Collaboration among military and civilian programs is encouraged.

The goal of the MAST Research Initiative is to award a singular research project that promotes the improvement of skills and capabilities of the orthopaedic surgery community, with an emphasis on military orthopaedic surgeons. 

Biologics: Research focused on the development of novel biologic approaches for joint preservation, tissue repair, and accelerated healing in arthroscopic procedures. Projects should aim to address critical challenges in joint preservation, tissue repair, and accelerated healing. Proposals that explore the potential of regenerative medicine, such as stem cell therapies, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and growth factors, in enhancing patient outcomes and improving the efficacy of clinically based or arthroscopic interventions

Surgical Skill Development: Research projects that aim to design, develop, and implement high-fidelity surgical simulation tools and platforms. The proposed simulations should closely mimic real-world arthroscopic scenarios, enabling trainees to acquire and refine their surgical skills in a risk-free and controlled environment. Innovative proposals that integrate state-of-the-art technologies, such as virtual reality (VR), haptic feedback, and artificial intelligence (AI) assistance, are encouraged. The project should demonstrate the effectiveness of simulation-based training in improving surgical proficiency, reducing errors, shortening learning curves, and ultimately elevating patient safety and quality of care.

Return to Sport or Duty: We welcome proposals that explore various aspects of optimization of surgical treatment and/or related to patient recovery and rehabilitation. This may include studies investigating optimal surgical approaches, postoperative protocols, individualized rehabilitation plans, and evidence-based interventions to expedite functional recovery and prevent complications. The program seeks projects that employ digital health solutions, wearable devices, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) to monitor patients' progress and enhance the continuum of care. Research addressing specific sports-related challenges and tailored approaches for athletes undergoing arthroscopic procedures will also be highly valued. Ultimately, this priority aims to support projects that contribute to achieving the best possible postoperative outcomes, empowering patients to resume an active lifestyle with confidence and efficiency.

Patient Reported Outcomes (PRO): Develop strategies, clinical tools, and patient tools utilizing PROs, sports/occupation specific and clinical variables to develop a tailored/precision medicine capability that predicts effective return to sport/duty and outcomes for extremity injury. Development of evidenced-based and patient-tailored predictive modeling to determine successful return to unrestricted return to activity.
Please note that while the topics mentioned above serve as primary focal points for the grant, we remain open to innovative proposals that push the boundaries of arthroscopy, sports medicine, and orthopedics in other pertinent areas. We encourage applicants to articulate how their proposed projects align with the organization's mission and vision, fostering advancements in patient care, research, education, and innovation within the field of arthroscopic surgery. Applications that are submitted in a format other than a word file or PDF may be subject to formatting or readability issues.

Any investigative team seeking to be awarded the MAST Research Initiative grant must include at least one member of AANA, AOSSM, or SOMOS in good standing. Residents and Attending Faculty within 2 years of completion of training at the time of application are eligible to serve as principal investigators. Resident submissions must have an active AANA, SOMOS, or AOSSM member on their protocol. Studies addressing common musculoskeletal joint or soft tissue traumatic injuries, combat injuries, epidemiological assessment and/or surgical interventions are ideal for this grant opportunity.

The recipient of the MAST Research Initiative agrees to acknowledge MAST funding and Arthroscopy will be given the right of first refusal for publication.

The following recognition must appear as a footnote on the first page of manuscripts or printed text:

“Supported by a grant from The Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA), with support and endowment from the Military Advanced Surgical Training (MAST) Program.”

The same credit line must be included at any presentation at a professional or scientific meeting based on a study funded by any of the partner societies.