Biomechanical Research
Cadaveric testing, motion analysis, and structural evaluation conducted at the Phillip Spiegel Orthopaedic Research Laboratory — translating bench science into clinical and industry impact.
Overview & Mission
The Phillip Spiegel Orthopaedic Research Laboratory advances musculoskeletal science through rigorous biomechanical testing — from implant and construct evaluation to whole-joint kinematics. Our work bridges surgeon insight, engineering precision, and industry application, producing evidence that shapes clinical practice and device development.
Bench-to-Clinic Rigor
Testing protocols designed alongside Florida Orthopaedic Institute surgeons to keep questions clinically relevant.
Published, Cited Output
Findings feed a growing body of peer-reviewed work spanning reconstruction, fixation, and kinematic studies.
Signature Visual: DIC / Aramis Strain Map
Export a clean speckle-pattern strain map from an Aramis study. Few peer labs show this — leading with it is one of FORE's clearest differentiators on the page.
Capabilities by Subspecialty
Testing programs organized around the clinical areas where our research has the most active output.
Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty (RSA)
Implant positioning, range-of-motion, and construct stability studies supporting shoulder reconstruction research.
Hand & Wrist
Fine-motion kinematics and fixation testing for small-joint reconstruction and ligament repair.
Fracture Fixation
Construct strength and fatigue testing across plating, nailing, and screw-fixation constructs.
Spine
Segmental kinematics and instrumentation evaluation for spinal reconstruction studies.
Equipment
Named systems in active use in the lab. Each will link to a downloadable spec sheet.
Optotrak Certus
High-precision 3D motion tracking for kinematic and joint-motion studies.
Spec sheet link pendingDIC / Aramis Strain Analysis
Full-field digital image correlation for surface strain mapping under load.
Spec sheet link pendingDynamic Test Frame / Load Frame
Static and cyclic loading for construct strength and fatigue testing.
Spec sheet link pendingPressure Mapping
Contact-pressure distribution for joint-surface and implant-interface studies.
Spec sheet link pendingMotion Capture & EMG
Multi-camera motion capture paired with wireless EMG for functional movement analysis.
Spec sheet link pendingImaging Access
Radiographic and CT imaging access supporting pre- and post-test evaluation.
Spec sheet link pendingKUKA robot + simVitro — add as a headline equipment item once acquired.
How We Test
Plain-language explanations of our core testing methods — so both clinicians and industry partners can follow the rigor.
Sequential Sectioning
"Cutting" studies that isolate the contribution of individual anatomic structures to joint stability.
Construct Strength & Fatigue
Load-to-failure and cyclic fatigue testing to evaluate fixation and reconstruction constructs.
Kinematic ROM
Range-of-motion evaluation capturing how a joint moves before and after intervention.
Add a simple diagram or figure illustrating a representative test setup.
Biomechanics Research Team
The scientists and engineers behind the lab's testing programs.
Miguel Diaz, MS
Biomechanics Research Laboratory Manager
Michael Walchko, BS
Research Engineer
Peer-Reviewed Publications
Publications
A representative selection of biomechanics studies, updated quarterly.
Study title, authors, journal, year — RSA subspecialty.
Study title, authors, journal, year — hand/wrist subspecialty.
Study title, authors, journal, year — fracture fixation subspecialty.
Select 8–12 representative studies across subspecialties (RSA, hand/wrist, fracture fixation, spine) with citation + thumbnail for each.
Partner With Us
Protocol development, cadaveric testing, device evaluation, and study design for industry and device-company partners.
Florida Orthopaedic Institute surgeons involved in study design and clinical framing
USF serves as IRB of record
Integrated workflow from protocol design through publication
Request Capabilities / Start a Project
Tell us about your testing needs and our research office will follow up.
Contact the Research OfficeExplore the Lab
Learn more about the Phillip Spiegel Orthopaedic Research Laboratory or start a conversation about a testing partnership.