Osteopathic Intelligence Blog

Students at Kansas City University’s (KCU) College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) are making significant strides in medical research, with projects that have earned national awards and publication in prestigious journals. Guided by Bryan Beutel, MD, assistant professor of Primary Care and an orthopedic surgeon at Sano, these students have tackled fascinating topics that could shape the future of medicine.

Student Doctors Charles Marchese, Benjamin Pautler and Makayla Swancutt earned first place at the 2024 American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics Annual Fall Meeting for their poster presentation based upon their study, “Structural Adaptations of the Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee and Associated Tissues: An Anatomic and Histological Analysis.” The study explored the intricate anatomy of the anterolateral ligament (ALL) of the knee, a structure critical for stability. The team examined both its gross anatomic and microscopic structure and compared it to surrounding tissues, providing new insights into its role in knee function. Their findings could improve how injuries like ACL tears are treated. Read the full study published in the Journal of Knee Surgery.

Their other study, “Anatomical Characterization and Topographic Mapping of the Ulnar Nerve and its Peripheral Branches: A Cadaveric Analysis,” was awarded second place at the same national conference. This investigation focused on the ulnar nerve, which controls sensation and movement in part of the hand and fingers. By mapping the nerve’s precise pathways and its smaller branches, the team created a detailed reference that surgeons can use during procedures to avoid nerve damage and to assist with nerve transfers. This work has been published in HAND and offers practical guidance for improving outcomes in hand and wrist surgeries.

The same research team also investigated the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) to assist in patient education. Their study, “Generative Artificial Intelligence Responses to Common Patient-Centric Hand and Wrist Surgery Questions: A Quality and Usability Analysis,” evaluated how well AI could answer common questions about hand and wrist conditions. Their findings suggest that while AI isn’t perfect, it has the potential to make information more accessible. This study has been published in the Journal of Hand Surgery (A/P) and adds to the growing conversation about AI’s role in health care.

Student Doctors Ayub Ansari, Mirza Baig, Yazan Tanbour, Kazi Syed and Yunus Ahmed explored amniotic suspension allografts, an emerging treatment for knee osteoarthritis derived from perinatal tissues. Their study, “Efficacy of Amniotic Suspension Allografts in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review,” reviewed current evidence on the therapy’s potential to reduce pain, decrease inflammation and promote healing. The research suggests it could be a promising option for patients unresponsive to traditional treatments. This work has been published in the Journal of Knee Surgery.

Each of these projects reflect the curiosity, dedication and talent of KCU students as they strive to improve patient care and advance medical knowledge. Their achievements at a national conference and in peer-reviewed journals showcase the University’s commitment to fostering a culture of discovery, where students are encouraged to explore meaningful research opportunities. Through mentorship and hands-on learning, KCU prepares future physicians to contribute groundbreaking knowledge to the medical community and inspire innovation in medicine.