Dr. Snyder is the Maurice Edmond Mueller Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Harvard Medical School. He is a renowned pediatric orthopaedic surgeon and accomplished translational scientist. With clinical expertise in treating congenital and acquired musculoskeletal deformities, his research spans bone biomechanics, fracture prevention, spine injury mechanisms, and advanced imaging technologies. As Principal Investigator at the Center for Advanced Orthopaedic Studies, he has secured funding from NIH, NASA, DoD, and private foundations, advancing understanding of scoliosis, metabolic bone disease, and cartilage degeneration. A dedicated mentor, Dr. Snyder has trained over 50 pre- and post-doctoral researchers and received the A. Clifford Barger Excellence in Mentoring Award.
Team
Snyder Orthopaedic Biomechanics and Imaging Research Group
Under the leadership of Brian Snyder, this team brings together experts in orthopaedics, biomedical engineering, imaging science, and computational modeling to improve musculoskeletal care. Their research uses advanced imaging methods—like contrast-enhanced CT and Raman spectroscopy—to show detailed views of cartilage and bone quality. By combining non-invasive diagnostic techniques with computer models, such as CT-based structural rigidity analysis, they offer clear and repeatable assessments of fracture risk and tissue strength.
The group works to take lab ideas and turn them into practical treatments. Their projects on nanoparticle-enhanced imaging and polymer-based therapies are changing how early osteoarthritis, cartilage damage, and other musculoskeletal problems are diagnosed and treated. Their team approach not only speeds up the creation of new treatments but also supports new researchers through a strong mentorship network with alumni from Harvard, MIT, and Boston University.
Focused on improving patient care, the team studies everything from tiny molecules to larger structures. They examine the forces behind joint damage and develop ways to help tissues work normally again. Through innovative studies and joint clinical trials, the Brian Snyder Orthopaedic Biomechanics, Imaging, and Translational Research team is working to change the way orthopaedic care is done and to set new standards for diagnosis and treatment.
Research Areas
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