The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery has a rich, innovative history in basic science and clinical research. Our mission began in 1866 as the New York Orthopaedic Dispensary, later renamed the New York Orthopaedic Hospital.  We are proud of our pioneering breakthroughs: the world's first Achilles lengthening (1899), vertebral fusion (1911), bone bank (1945) and shoulder and total knee replacements (1973). The Center for Orthopaedic Research (COR) holds the keys to future milestones. Under the guidance of Dr. Francis Y. Lee, the COR team advances novel concepts through translational studies that bridge basic science and clinical practice. Biomolecular and biomechanical engineering principles, 3D computer modeling, molecular imaging, in vivo studies and surgical expertise coalesce to foster improved patient outcomes. As research focus moves to the molecular biomedical arena, so has the COR laboratory. The processes behind inflammatory bone loss, prosthetic loosening, and bone cancer treatment resistance are being examined at the cellular and molecular levels. Funding awards, including grants from the National Institutes of Health have helped to validate our purpose. The Center for Orthopaedic Research upholds tradition by seeking answers and resolutions that ultimately will impact the diagnosis, treatment and quality of life for pediatric and adult orthopaedic and cancer patients.