SUMMARY
The research of Matthew T. Houdek, M.D., focuses on improving care for patients with musculoskeletal cancer. Dr. Houdek's clinical work includes treating patients with sarcoma and metastatic bone disease in the extremities and pelvis.
Dr. Houdek studies outcomes in patients with upper extremity sarcomas and the care of pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients.
Dr. Houdek also focuses on using regenerative medicine techniques to reconstruct tissue resected during oncological procedures. These tissues include bone, periosteum, muscle, tendons and skin.
Focus areas
- Outcomes for patients with sarcomas of the upper extremity, with a specific focus on the shoulder girdle.
- Use of regenerative medicine to mitigate the effects of radiation on bone and soft tissue and improve fracture and wound healing.
- Approaches to improve biological reconstruction in pediatric, adolescent and young adult patients with cancer.
- Care and function of patients with pelvic and sacral tumors.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Houdek's research focuses on improving outcomes for patients with sarcoma. His work includes finding ways to restore muscle lost during treatment to help patients maintain function. He also looks for ways to improve wound healing after radiation therapy.
He treats patients when cancer has spread to the bone. As treatments for metastatic cancer improve, more patients are living long enough to have bone-related issues. Many need orthopedic treatment to help them continue walking and using their arms.
Dr. Houdek's team studies ways to help bone regrow and restore its blood supply after radiation treatment.
Professional highlights
- Chair, Tumor Instructional Course Committee, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, 2022-2026.
- Mayo Clinic:
- Teacher of the Year, Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Fellows' Association, 2023.
- Patrick J. Kelly Research Award, "Tendon Regeneration Potential Through the Use of Purified Exosome Product," Department of Orthopedic Surgery, 2020.
- International Society of Limb Salvage:
- Best Clinical Paper, "Serum Metal Ion Concentration in the Setting of an Oncologic Endoprosthesis: Is There Cause for Concern?", Annual meeting, 2022.
- Best Clinical Paper, "Comparison of Reconstructive Techniques Following Oncologic Intraarticular Resection of Proximal Humerus," Annual meeting, 2019.