FWO Research Opportunities

Fort Wayne Orthopedics is at the forefront of today’s medical revolutions. We utilize the latest technology and medical advancements as options for our patients. To this end, we often have several research studies underway.

If you are interested in being a part of any of our current research opportunities, please contact the research department at 800-566-5659 ext 4278.

Research Studies Available

FWO Physician Participates in A Nationwide Tibial Study

Currently Participating: INFUSE/MASTERGRAFT™ Delayed Healing Device with Rigid Internal Fixation


Dr. Hicks, a Fort Wayne Orthopedic Physician, is participating in a nationwide investigational clinical study of the INFUSE/MASTERGRAFT™ Delayed Healing Device with Rigid Internal Fixation System. The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of implanting the INFUSE/MASTERGRAFT™ Delayed Healing Device with Rigid Internal Fixation System as an alternative to autograft bone for patients experiencing a delayed healing of the tibia. Additional information regarding the Tibial Delayed Healing Study can be found at clinicaltrials.gov

For more information, please call our research department 800-566-5659 ext 4278.

Status: Not Currently Enrolling

FWO Physicians Participate in A Nationwide Spine Study

Currently Participating: INFUSE Bone Graft with the CAPSTONE Spinal System

Fort Wayne Orthopedic Physicians are participating in study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the INFUSE Bone Graft with the CAPSTONE Spinal System and posterior supplemental fixation with a transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion surgical approach at one or two adjacent levels from L2-S1 to treat subjects with advanced degenerative disease of the lumbosacral spine.

Dr. Rahn, Dr. Shugart, and Dr. Arata are participating in this study. For more information, please call 1-800-566-5659 ext 4278.

Status: Not Currently Enrolling

Currently Available:  Acadia Facet Replacement System

Fort Wayne Orthopedic Physicians are participating in a nationwide study of the Acadia Facet Replacement System.  The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of the Acadia Facet Replacement System in patients with lateral, lateral recess and/or central stenosis at L3 to S1.

Dr. Rahn, Dr. Shugart, and Dr. Arata are participating in this study.  For more information, please call 1-877-788-3925 or visit stenosisrelief.com.

Status: Currently Enrolling

Currently Available: Endoscopic Laser Disc Decompression

Fort Wayne Orthopedics Physicians are participating in a research study of the Holmium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet (Ho:YAG) laser. The purpose of this study is to determine the safety and effectiveness of the Ho:YAG laser in patients with a contained herniated disc at no more than two levels of the lumbar spine.

Dr. Rahn and Dr. Shugart are participating in this study. For more information, please call 1-800-566-5659 ext 4278.

Status: Currently Enrolling

Other Investigational Device Exemption Studies

Wallis Total Disc Replacement (2007 to 2012)
Dr. Rahn, Dr. Shugart, and Dr. Arata
Zimmer Spine Austin

Status: Closed

Maverick Total Disc Replacement (2003 to 2011)
Dr. Rahn, Dr. Shugart, and Dr. Arata,
Medtronic Sofamor Danek

Status: Closed

Dynesys Non-fusion Stabilization (2004 to 2011)
Dr. Rahn, Dr. Shugart, and Dr. Arata,
Zimmer Spine

Status: Closed