Research & Innovation
As part of our ongoing commitment to excellence in musculoskeletal care and performance-driven outcomes, our clinic integrates leading research directly into clinical practice.
Focus Areas
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Research
Mr Al’Khafaji is actively engaged in ACL research, with a focus on both clinical outcomes and biomechanics. His work aims to deepen our understanding of recovery following ACL reconstruction — examining factors such as functional performance, return-to-sport rates, re-injury risk, and patient-reported outcomes.
Hip Preservation Research
Mr Al’Khafaji also leads research in hip preservation, including studies on hip arthroscopy, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and hip dysplasia. These projects explore how surgical techniques and rehabilitation programs can best restore natural hip mechanics and prolong the health of the native joint.
Academic & Research Affiliations
Mr Al’Khafaji holds an academic appointment as a Senior Fellow with the Department of Physiotherapy, Melbourne School of Health Sciences, and the Melbourne Medical School, both within the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University of Melbourne.
He also serves as an Associate Research Clinician at the OrthoSport Victoria Institute (OSVi) — a leading multidisciplinary centre dedicated to advancing musculoskeletal and sports-medicine research. In collaboration with the Australian Catholic University and the University of Melbourne, OSVi brings together orthopaedic surgeons, sports physicians, physiotherapists, exercise scientists, and biomechanics specialists to translate cutting-edge research into improved patient care.
The OSVi Biomechanics Laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including a 25-metre instrumented runway with embedded force plates, 3D motion-capture systems, isokinetic dynamometry, and advanced strength and performance assessment tools. This facility enables research-grade biomechanical data to be applied directly to clinical assessment, surgical decision-making, and personalised rehabilitation planning.
For more information, please visit osvi.com.au.
Your Role in Research
If you are receiving care with Mr Al’Khafaji, you may be invited to participate in ongoing clinical research. Participation is entirely voluntary and may involve additional assessments, follow-up visits, or/and completion of patient-reported outcome questionnaires.
By contributing to research, you play an important role in helping to improve current treatments and guide the next generation of orthopaedic care. We are deeply grateful to our patients who choose to participate — your involvement helps us advance care and achieve better outcomes for all.
