Metzger Lab
The Metzger Laboratory focuses on the kinematic response of joints when exposed to externally applied forces and moments. These forces and moments are typically designed to reproduce physiological loads seen naturally in the body. The research conducted in our lab provides a means to evaluate implants and new surgical techniques prior to FDA approval and clinical use. In addition, it allows clinicians and engineers to work together to evaluate implant systems, establish proof of concepts and improve the design of implant technologies. Perhaps most importantly, appropriate and well-defined biomechanical studies add to the expanding body of academic literature and understanding of the basic science behind orthopaedic systems.
The Metzger Laboratory is affiliated with the Surgery Department, Spine Center and Cedars-Sinai Orthopaedics.
Personal Statement
As a biomechanical engineer, my focus is to investigate how living systems like the human body respond to applied forces through engineering principles. While this concept dates back to Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo, advances in orthopaedic medicine continue to evolve, presenting new challenges that keep us on our toes. To address these challenges, the Biomechanics Lab at Cedars-Sinai has developed numerous testing schemes designed to analyze the spine, knee, elbow, shoulder, hip, foot and ankle, so we can better understand the physiologic function, injury and reconstruction of these orthopaedic systems."
Melodie Metzger, PhD
- Grotting JA, Nelson TJ, Banffy MB, Yalamanchili D, Eberlein SA, Chahla J, Metzger MF. Biomechanical evaluation of PCL reconstruction with suture augmentation. Knee. 2020 Mar;27(2):375-383.
- Chahla J, Nelson T, Dallo I, Yalamanchili D, Eberlein S, Limpisvasti O, Mandelbaum B, Metzger MF. Anterior cruciate ligament repair versus reconstruction: a kinematic analysis. Knee. 2020 Mar;27(2):334-340.
- Garlich JM, Samuel K, Nelson TJ, Monfiston C, Kremen T, Metzger MF, Little MTM. Infraspinatus tenotomy improves glenoid visualization with the modified Judet approach. J Orthop Trauma. 2020 Mar;34(3):158-162.
- Garlich J, Little M, Nelson TJ, Eberlein SA, Monfiston CH, Kremen T, Metzger MF. A comparison of three fixation strategies in the treatment of Neer Type IIB distal clavicle fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2020 Feb 26. doi.org/10.1097/BOT.0000000000001752. [Published online ahead of print February 26, 2020.]
- Michalski MP, Gonzalez TA, Metzger MF, Nelson TJ, Eberlein S, Pfeffer GB. Biomechanical comparison of Achilles tendon pullout strength following midline tendon-splitting and endoscopic approaches for calcaneoplasty. Foot Ankle Int. 2019 Oct 1;40(10):1219-1225.
Orthopaedic Biomechanics Equipment
From a servohydraulic tabletop testing system to real-time motion capture capabilities, the Metzger Lab uses state-of-the art equipment to analyze the forces and moments that act on and in the human body.
- MTS Bionix Servohydraulic Test System
- NDI Optotrak Certus
- Tekscan I-Scan/F-scan Pressure Mapping System
- Faxitron LX-60 Cabinet X-ray System
- Formlabs Form 3 SLA 3D Printer
- Xsens MVN Awinda Motion Capture Suit
Meet Our Team
Learn more about the scientists, faculty members, investigators and other healthcare professionals of the Metzger Laboratory, whose dedicated efforts lead to groundbreaking discoveries.
Bhamb N, Kanim LEA, Maldonado RC, Nelson TJ, Salehi K, Glaeser JD, Metzger MF.
Spine J. 2018 Dec 7. pii: S1529-9430(18)31279-8.
Pfeffer G, Gonzalez T, Zapf M, Nelson TJ, Metzger MF.
Foot Ankle Int. 2018 Aug;39(8):966-969.
Charlton T, Thomas D, Thordarson D, Metzger MF, Nelson T.
Foot Ankle Orthop. 2018 July 2;3(3).
Contact the Metzger Lab
8700 Beverly Blvd.
Davis Building, Room 6006
Los Angeles, CA 90048