Research

Dr. Gill has a particular interest in biomechanics of the knee and shoulder, as well as tissue engineering techniques for joint preservation and cartilage repair in the knee. Dr. Gill is Co-Director of the MGH Orthopedic Bioengineering Laboratory, where he has helped to establish a robotic and cadaveric study protocol designed to investigate the biomechanical consequences of ligament injuries in the knee. His primary focus is to determine the effects of injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the knee. More importantly, he studies the effects of subsequent ACL and PCL reconstruction on knee joint function and the potential for future arthritis, with a goal to determine whether such degenerative changes can be prevented through different surgical reconstructive techniques.

Dr. Gill plans to extend the use of the robot model to the shoulder joint in an effort to study the biomechanics of the throwing motion. He has collaborated on the establishment of the first, live, 3-dimensional imaging system using fluoroscan, dynamic MRI and computer modeling that has enabled him to directly evaluate the degree of function in an injured joint and actual restoration of function after surgical repair. Most recently, Dr. Gill has helped to build a pioneering, new Sports Performance Analysis Center at Patriot Place in Foxborough to study both healthy and injured athletes of all levels while performing their sports, such as pitching, swinging a golf club, or kicking a soccer ball. The goal of this technology is to improve an athlete's function and performance.

Dr. Gill's second research focus is tissue engineering. He is currently studying the use of cell-seeded biologic scaffolds to perform cartilage repairs in the knee. Many of these repairs have not been previously possible without such biologic engineering. The goal of these studies is to help preserve joints, and prevent the need for total joint replacements.