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AnkleOA Think Tank

Identifying Clinical Science Gaps to Increase Research in Ankle Arthritis

Tackling Osteoarthritis of the Ankle


The Arthritis Foundation (AF) and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) are excited to announce the AnkleOA Think Tank, a working group of expert stakeholders brought together to address clinical research gaps. The group will meet regularly and present their findings at major scientific conferences.

There is 10X more research activity in other weight-bearing joints than in the ankle, highlighting the need for more research in this area. Prevalence of the disease is significant, but unclear due to insufficient research activity. OA of the ankle is known to be highly disabling to patients with fewer available treatment options that are satisfactory. The AnkleOA Think Tank will identify important needs and gaps in order to encourage scientists and funders to consider the ankle a worthy target for research.

The “Think Tank” is an evolution of the OACS Forum Series to convene the leading experts in arthritis in order to advance the field toward more and better treatment options for patients. This multistakeholder group is led by the AF, the top arthritis patient organization, the AOFAS, the top professional organization in foot/ankle orthopedics, as well as the OAAA, OMERACT, and USBJI.

Meet Our Co-Chairs

Thomas Clanton, MD (Steadman Clinic)

Dr. Thomas O. Clanton is an internationally recognized orthopedic surgeon who joined The Steadman Clinic in August 2009 as the Director for Foot and Ankle Sports Medicine. He specializes in orthopedic injuries to the lower extremities and the foot and ankle. He has previously served as lead physician for the Houston Rockets (NBA), team orthopedist for the Houston Texans (NFL) and team physician for Rice University. He has treated numerous professional and collegiate athletes including Yao Ming, Eddie George and Liu Xiang. Dr. Clanton received his M.D. degree from Baylor College of Medicine in 1976.

Thomas Clanton, MD (Steadman Clinic)
Donald Anderson, PhD (University of Iowa)
Meet Our Co-Chairs

Donald Anderson, PhD (University of Iowa)

Dr. Don Anderson is Professor of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE), and Biomedical Engineering (BME) at the University of Iowa. He is the Richard and Jan Johnston Chair in Orthopedic Biomechanics and the Vice Chair of Research, Orthopedics and Rehabilitation. He grew up in Cedar Rapids and then completed most of his education in Iowa City (1985 BSE; 1986 MS; 1989 PhD).

How It Began: 2021 OACS Forum Series - Ankles and Feet
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2021 OACS Forum Series – A focus on Ankles and Feet
This initiative began in December 2021, when the OACS Forum Series focused on Ankles and Feet in a 2-day conference. The remarkable program was arranged and moderated by our 2021 Conference Chair, Dr. Charles Saltzman, MD (University of Utah).
2021 OACS Forum Series – A focus on Ankles and Feet
This initiative began in December 2021, when the OACS Forum Series focused on Ankles and Feet in a 2-day conference. The remarkable program was arranged and moderated by our 2021 Conference Chair, Dr. Charles Saltzman, MD (University of Utah).
2021 OACS Forum Series – A focus on Ankles and Feet
This initiative began in December 2021, when the OACS Forum Series focused on Ankles and Feet in a 2-day conference. The remarkable program was arranged and moderated by our 2021 Conference Chair, Dr. Charles Saltzman, MD (University of Utah).
2021 OACS Forum Series – A focus on Ankles and Feet
This initiative began in December 2021, when the OACS Forum Series focused on Ankles and Feet in a 2-day conference. The remarkable program was arranged and moderated by our 2021 Conference Chair, Dr. Charles Saltzman, MD (University of Utah).
2021 OACS Forum Series – A focus on Ankles and Feet
This initiative began in December 2021, when the OACS Forum Series focused on Ankles and Feet in a 2-day conference. The remarkable program was arranged and moderated by our 2021 Conference Chair, Dr. Charles Saltzman, MD (University of Utah).
2021 OACS Forum Series – A focus on Ankles and Feet
This initiative began in December 2021, when the OACS Forum Series focused on Ankles and Feet in a 2-day conference. The remarkable program was arranged and moderated by our 2021 Conference Chair, Dr. Charles Saltzman, MD (University of Utah).
2021 OACS Forum Series – A focus on Ankles and Feet
This initiative began in December 2021, when the OACS Forum Series focused on Ankles and Feet in a 2-day conference. The remarkable program was arranged and moderated by our 2021 Conference Chair, Dr. Charles Saltzman, MD (University of Utah).
2021 OACS Forum Series – A focus on Ankles and Feet
This initiative began in December 2021, when the OACS Forum Series focused on Ankles and Feet in a 2-day conference. The remarkable program was arranged and moderated by our 2021 Conference Chair, Dr. Charles Saltzman, MD (University of Utah).
2021 OACS Forum Series – A focus on Ankles and Feet
This initiative began in December 2021, when the OACS Forum Series focused on Ankles and Feet in a 2-day conference. The remarkable program was arranged and moderated by our 2021 Conference Chair, Dr. Charles Saltzman, MD (University of Utah).
2021 OACS Forum Series – A focus on Ankles and Feet
This initiative began in December 2021, when the OACS Forum Series focused on Ankles and Feet in a 2-day conference. The remarkable program was arranged and moderated by our 2021 Conference Chair, Dr. Charles Saltzman, MD (University of Utah).
2021 OACS Forum Series – A focus on Ankles and Feet
This initiative began in December 2021, when the OACS Forum Series focused on Ankles and Feet in a 2-day conference. The remarkable program was arranged and moderated by our 2021 Conference Chair, Dr. Charles Saltzman, MD (University of Utah).

Thank you to our AnkleOA Think Tank sponsors for making this important work possible.