John Thometz | Orthopedic Surgery | Best Researcher Award

Dr. John Thometz | Orthopedic Surgery | Best Researcher Award

Professor|Medical College of Wisconsin| United States

Dr. John G. Thometz is a distinguished orthopedic surgeon, educator, and researcher with over four decades of expertise in pediatric orthopedics, spinal deformities, and gait analysis. He currently serves as Professor in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin and Adjunct Professor at the Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Engineering Center at Marquette University. A graduate of Northwestern University Medical School with fellowship training at Harvard’s Children’s Hospital, Dr. Thometz has made seminal contributions to the understanding and treatment of scoliosis, clubfoot, and cerebral palsy. As long-time Medical Director of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgery at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin (1991–2021), he helped establish the institution as a national leader in pediatric musculoskeletal care. His federally funded research through the National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research and the Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation has advanced dynamic orthotic systems, spinal growth modulation, and pediatric mobility technologies. Widely published and a reviewer for leading journals such as The Spine Journal and Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics, Dr. Thometz has received numerous honors, including multiple “Teacher of the Year” awards and repeated recognition among “America’s Best Doctors.” Through his leadership, mentorship, and innovative research bridging medicine and engineering, Dr. Thometz has profoundly advanced pediatric orthopedic care and rehabilitation on a global scale.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID

Featured Publications

Analysis of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis population for surgical site infection risk factors. Journal of Orthopaedics, 1 citation. (2025).

Correlation of transverse rotation of the spine using surface topography and 3D reconstructive radiography in children with idiopathic scoliosis. Spine Deformity,  (2024).

3D back contour metrics in predicting idiopathic scoliosis progression: Retrospective cohort analysis, case series report and proof of concept. Children, 5 citations. (2024).

Prophylactic spinal cord untethering in children with spinal dysraphism undergoing thoracolumbar fusion for scoliosis. World Neurosurgery, (2023).

Preoperative left shoulder elevation greater than 1 cm is predictive of severe postoperative shoulder imbalance in early onset idiopathic scoliosis patients treated with growth-friendly instrumentation. Spine Deformity, 1 citation. (2023).

Dr. John G. Thometz’s groundbreaking work in pediatric orthopedics and spinal deformity correction has advanced clinical care, surgical innovation, and rehabilitation for children worldwide. His integration of medicine and biomedical engineering has driven the development of novel growth-friendly implants and mobility technologies, transforming outcomes and quality of life for young patients with complex musculoskeletal conditions.

Corrado Ciatti | Orthopedics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Corrado Ciatti | Orthopedics | Best Researcher Award

Surgeon | University of Parma | Italy

Dr. Corrado Ciatti is an accomplished orthopedic surgeon and medical researcher recognized for his extensive contributions to orthopedic surgery, traumatology, and clinical education. He earned his Master’s Degree in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Parma, where he also completed his physician qualification. His early academic work included a retrospective study on modular necks in hip prosthetic surgery, which set the foundation for his long-standing interest in arthroplasty and orthopedic biomechanics. Professionally, Dr. Ciatti has served as a ward doctor, assistant surgeon, and currently works as a surgeon at AUSL Piacenza, collaborating with the University of Parma. His experience spans perioperative patient management, orthopedic trauma surgery, and scientific research, with a focus on improving surgical techniques and prosthetic design. In addition to his clinical roles, he has taught first aid and trauma management, demonstrating a strong commitment to medical training and community health education. His research interests include hip and knee arthroplasty, fracture treatment, periprosthetic infections, and biomechanical modeling, with multiple presentations at prestigious international conferences such as EFORT, EORS, and the World Arthroplasty Congress. His publications in Acta Biomedica and other journals reflect his evidence-based approach to orthopedic innovation and clinical outcomes. Dr. Ciatti’s research skills include retrospective cohort analysis, surgical planning, finite element modeling, and multidisciplinary collaboration, often applied to advancing implant technology and patient recovery strategies. Over the years, he has received recognition for his presentations and chaired sessions at major European orthopedic congresses. His dedication to clinical excellence, research innovation, and surgical education underscores his role as a rising leader in orthopedic science. In conclusion, Dr. Ciatti exemplifies the modern clinician-scientist, combining hands-on surgical expertise with a forward-looking approach to orthopedic research and patient-centered care.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

  • GS Collaborative, & COVIDSurg Collaborative. (2021). Timing of surgery following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: An international prospective cohort study. Anaesthesia, 76(6), 748. https://doi.org/[insert DOI] – Cited by 622

  • COVIDSurg Collaborative, & GlobalSurg Collaborative. (2021). SARS-CoV-2 vaccination modelling for safe surgery to save lives: Data from an international prospective cohort study. British Journal of Surgery, 108(9), 1056–1063. https://doi.org/[insert DOI] – Cited by 135

  • COVIDSurg Collaborative, & GlobalSurg Collaborative. (2022). SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and venous thromboembolism after surgery: An international prospective cohort study. Anaesthesia: Peri-operative Medicine, Critical Care and Pain. https://doi.org/[insert DOI] – Cited by 119

  • Maniscalco, P., Poggiali, E., Quattrini, F., Ciatti, C., Magnacavallo, A., Vercelli, A., … (2020). Proximal femur fractures in COVID-19 emergency: The experience of two Orthopedics and Traumatology Departments in the first eight weeks of the Italian epidemic. Acta Bio Medica: Atenei Parmensis, 91(2), 89. https://doi.org/[insert DOI] – Cited by 109

  • Benazzo, F., Rossi, S. M. P., Maniscalco, P., Moretti, B., Vaienti, E., Ruggieri, P., … (2020). The orthopaedic and traumatology scenario during Covid-19 outbreak in Italy: Chronicles of a silent war. International Orthopaedics, 44(8), 1453–1459. https://doi.org/[insert DOI] – Cited by 74

Marco Sapienza | Orthopaedics | Best Scholar Award

🌟Assist Prof Dr. Marco Sapienza, Orthopaedics, Best Scholar Award 🏆

Assistant Professor at Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, Section of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, A.O.U.P. Policlinico Rodolico-San Marco, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy. Italy

Marco Sapienza is an accomplished medical professional specializing in orthopaedics and traumatology. With a background in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Catania, Italy, he has excelled in both academic and practical aspects of his field. Marco currently serves as the Medical Director and a Teacher of Orthopaedics and Traumatology at the University of Catania. His research interests span various orthopaedic conditions, including scoliosis, chronic low back pain, pediatric fractures, and developmental dysplasia of the hip. Marco’s contributions to the field are extensive, with numerous publications and research projects under his belt. He is known for his expertise in orthopaedic research, clinical practice, and teaching.

Author Metrics:

Author metrics, such as citation counts, h-index, and impact factor of journals where Marco’s work has been published, are not provided in the given information. However, considering his extensive involvement in research projects and publications, it’s likely that Marco has made a substantial impact in the orthopaedic community, with his work being cited and recognized by peers.

Scopus Profile

ORCID Profile

Citations: 115 citations by 108 documents

Documents: 27

h-index: 6

Marco Sapienza is affiliated with the Università degli Studi di Catania in Italy. He has an ORCID profile, which provides a unique identifier for researchers. According to Scopus, Marco has received 115 citations across 27 documents, resulting in an h-index of 6. This indicates that he has published several papers that have been cited by other researchers, reflecting the impact of his work in the field.

Education:

Marco completed his Degree in Medicine and Surgery at the University of Catania, Italy. This foundational education provided him with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a successful career in orthopaedics and traumatology.

Research Focus:

Marco’s research interests primarily revolve around orthopaedic conditions affecting both children and adults. He has been involved in studies focusing on scoliosis treatment, chronic low back pain management, pediatric fractures, developmental dysplasia of the hip, and more. His research aims to advance understanding, improve treatments, and enhance patient outcomes in orthopaedic care.

Professional Journey:

Marco’s professional journey has been marked by significant achievements and contributions to the field of orthopaedics and traumatology. Starting from his academic training at the University of Catania, he has progressed to become a Medical Director and a respected Teacher at the same institution. Alongside his clinical responsibilities, Marco has been actively involved in research projects, furthering knowledge in various orthopaedic subfields.

Honors & Awards:

Specific honors and awards received by Marco are not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. However, his extensive contributions to research and clinical practice likely garnered recognition within the orthopaedic community, possibly through citations, acknowledgments, or institutional honors.

Publications Top Noted & Contributions:

Marco has contributed significantly to orthopaedic literature through his publications and research projects. His work encompasses a wide range of topics, including scoliosis treatment, pediatric fractures, chronic pain management, and developmental dysplasia of the hip. These contributions have added to the body of knowledge in orthopaedics, shaping clinical practice and guiding future research endeavors.

Proximal humeral multiple fragment fractures in patients over 55: Comparison between Conservative treatment and Plate Fixation

  • Contributors: Marco Sapienza; Vito Pavone; Liliana Muscarà; Pierpaolo Panebianco; Alessia Caldaci; Kathryn Louise McCracken; Giuseppe Condorelli; Vincenzo Fabrizio Caruso; Danilo Costa; Angelo Di Giunta; et al.
  • Journal: Heliyon
  • Publication Date: February 2024
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e25898

The Role of Biofeedback in Patellofemoral Pain Conservative Treatment: A Systematic Review

  • Contributors: Rosario Ferlito; Sara De Salvo; Giovanni Managò; Martina Ilardo; Marco Sapienza; Alessia Caldaci; Andrea Vescio; Vito Pavone; Gianluca Testa
  • Journal: Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
  • Publication Date: January 15, 2024
  • DOI: 10.3390/jfmk9010021

A Novel Comprehensive Classification for Non-Prosthetic Peri-Implant Fractures

  • Contributors: Ludovico Lucenti; Claudia de Cristo; Luciano Costarella; Alessia Caldaci; Marco Sapienza; Gianluca Testa; Vito Pavone
  • Journal: Surgeries
  • Publication Date: October 17, 2023
  • DOI: 10.3390/surgeries4040052

The Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee in Pediatric Patients: What Do We Know? A Scoping Review

  • Contributors: Ludovico Lucenti; Gianluca Testa; Marco Montemagno; Marco Sapienza; Arcangelo Russo; Fabrizio Di Maria; Claudia de Cristo; Vito Pavone
  • Journal: Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology
  • Publication Date: September 4, 2023
  • DOI: 10.3390/jfmk8030126

The Anterolateral Ligament of the Knee in Pediatric Patients: What Do We Know? A Systematic Review

  • Contributors: Ludovico Lucenti; Gianluca Testa; Marco Montemagno; Marco Sapienza; Arcangelo Russo; Fabrizio Di Maria; Claudia De Cristo; Vito Pavone
  • Status: Preprint
  • Publication Date: July 17, 2023
  • DOI: 10.20944/preprints202307.1074.v1

Research Timeline:

Marco’s research timeline spans several years, starting from his involvement in research projects during his medical education. He continued to contribute to research while pursuing his professional career, participating in various projects focusing on orthopaedic conditions. These projects cover a broad range of topics and demonstrate Marco’s continuous commitment to advancing orthopaedic knowledge and improving patient care.

 

Kailiang Zhou | Orthopedics | Best Researcher Award

🌟Prof. Kailiang Zhou, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, China: Orthopedics🏆

Professional Profiles:

Bio Summary:

Dr. Kailiang Zhou is a distinguished male researcher, attending physician, and associate professor in the field of orthopedics. He holds a Ph.D. in Surgery and is affiliated with the Department of Orthopaedics at the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University in China. With a comprehensive academic background and a focus on orthopedic trauma, Dr. Zhou has made significant contributions to the field through his research and clinical expertise.

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Surgery:
    • Wenzhou Medical University (2017-2020)
  • Master’s in Surgery:
    • Wenzhou Medical University (2013-2016)
  • Bachelor’s in Clinical Medicine:
    • Wenzhou Medical University (2008-2013)

Research Focus:

Dr. Zhou’s primary research interests lie in the realm of orthopedic trauma, specifically concentrating on the microenvironment and regulations of cell programmed death in spinal cord injuries and wound healing. His current research directions include autophagy and spinal cord injury, pyroptosis and spinal cord injury, and the role of extracellular vesicles (apoptotic bodies) in orthopedic trauma.

Professional Journey:

  • Resident:
    • Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (2016.08~2020.12)
  • Visiting Fellow:
    • University of Maryland School of Medicine (2016.08~2017.08)
  • Lecturer:
    • Wenzhou Medical University (2020.12~2022.12)
  • Attending Physician:
    • Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University (2021.01~present)
  • Associate Researcher:
    • Wenzhou Medical University (2022.01~2022.12)
  • Associate Professor:
    • Wenzhou Medical University (2023.01~~present)
  • Researcher:
    • Wenzhou Medical University (2023.01~~present)

Honors & Awards:

  • Outstanding Graduate in Zhejiang Province
  • Nominated for Excellent Doctoral Dissertation in Zhejiang Province
  • Lancet Research Award at the Zhejiang Orthopedics Annual Conference
  • Selected as the training object of “New Talent in the Medical Industry” in Zhejiang Province

Publications Top Noted & Contributions:

As the first or corresponding author, Dr. Zhou has published 46 papers in renowned journals such as Signal Transmit Target Ther, Autophagy, Redox Biology, Theranostics, and Br J Pharmacol. His research covers diverse topics, including the enhancement of autophagy, the alleviation of pyroptosis and necroptosis, and the impact of caloric restriction mimetics on spinal cord injuries.

Title: Guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy (4th edition)

  • Authors: DJ Klionsky, AK Abdel-Aziz, S Abdelfatah, M Abdellatif, A Abdoli, S Abel, …
  • Journal: Autophagy (2021)
  • Volume and Issue: 17(1)
  • Pages: 1-382
  • Citations: 10,206
  • Year: 2021
  • Contribution: This publication likely serves as a comprehensive guide for researchers in the field of autophagy, providing guidelines for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring autophagy.

Title: Metformin protects against apoptosis and senescence in nucleus pulposus cells and ameliorates disc degeneration in vivo

  • Authors: D Chen, D Xia, Z Pan, D Xu, Y Zhou, Y Wu, N Cai, Q Tang, C Wang, …
  • Journal: Cell Death & Disease (2016)
  • Volume and Issue: 7(10)
  • Pages: e2441-e2441
  • Citations: 272
  • Year: 2016
  • Contribution: This study suggests that metformin has protective effects against apoptosis and senescence in nucleus pulposus cells and may be beneficial in ameliorating disc degeneration in vivo.

Title: Endothelial cell pyroptosis plays an important role in Kawasaki disease via HMGB1/RAGE/cathepsin B signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation

  • Authors: C Jia, J Zhang, H Chen, Y Zhuge, H Chen, F Qian, K Zhou, C Niu, F Wang, …
  • Journal: Cell Death & Disease (2019)
  • Volume and Issue: 10(10)
  • Pages: 778
  • Citations: 190
  • Year: 2019
  • Contribution: The study investigates the role of pyroptosis in Kawasaki disease, highlighting the involvement of the HMGB1/RAGE/cathepsin B signaling pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

Title: Role of pyroptosis in cardiovascular diseases

  • Authors: C Jia, H Chen, J Zhang, K Zhou, Y Zhuge, C Niu, J Qiu, X Rong, Z Shi, …
  • Journal: International Immunopharmacology (2019)
  • Volume: 67
  • Pages: 311-318
  • Citations: 180
  • Year: 2019
  • Contribution: This publication explores the role of pyroptosis in cardiovascular diseases, shedding light on the mechanisms involved in this form of programmed cell death.

Title: Role of pyroptosis in spinal cord injury and its therapeutic implications

  • Authors: A Al Mamun, Y Wu, I Monalisa, C Jia, K Zhou, F Munir, J Xiao
  • Journal: Journal of Advanced Research (2021)
  • Volume: 28
  • Pages: 97-109
  • Citations: 100
  • Year: 2021
  • Contribution: The study discusses the role of pyroptosis in spinal cord injury and explores potential therapeutic implications for managing this condition.

Author Metrics:

  • Citations:
    • 3,047 citations by 2,694 documents
  • Documents:
    • 64 documents
  • h-index:
    • 25

Research Timeline:

  • 2016.08~2020.12:
    • Completed residency at the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University.
  • 2016.08~2017.08:
    • Served as a Visiting Fellow at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
  • 2020.12~2022.12:
    • Worked as a Lecturer at Wenzhou Medical University.
  • 2021.01~present:
    • Currently serving as an Attending Physician at the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University.
  • 2022.01~2022.12:
    • Held the position of Associate Researcher at Wenzhou Medical University.
  • 2023.01~~present:
    • Appointed as an Associate Professor and Researcher at Wenzhou Medical University.