The
American Veterinary Medical Association recently honored Dr. Anthony Simon
Turner with its Lifetime Excellence in Research Award. The award recognizes
achievement in veterinary research.
Dr. Turner has been a faculty member in the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Clinical Sciences, since 1977. Using the biological changes in ovariectomized sheep to mimic those seen in postmenopausal women, Dr. Turner’s early research studied osteoporosis and menopause-related hot flashes. Osteoporosis, bone density loss and bone fractures are common among the elderly, occurring in about 20 percent of people older than 70.
In 1997, in collaboration with Dr. Clint Rubin, State University of New York, Stony Brook, Dr. Turner's research results gained international attention by showing that the bone density in a sheep's hind legs increased when they were subjected to a very low force delivered at high frequency. This technology is now available to improve bone density in women.
In other studies in collaboration with human orthopedic surgeons, Dr. Turner’s lab pioneered a knee prosthesis designed to replace cancerous bone, providing extra stability compared with traditional implants, minimizing the likelihood of a limb amputation. This custom-fit prosthesis is marketed by an orthopedic company and has been used in more than 400 human patients, giving new hope and an alternative to people facing potential limb amputation.
His current research is studying new surgical techniques for spine fusion, aimed at improving the success rate in humans with low back pain. He also is researching new techniques for rotator cuff surgery.
Dr. Turner is a Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences. He is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, is on the review board of the Veterinary Comparative Orthopedics and Traumatology, and is a consultant editor for Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice. In 2001, he was inducted into the Glover Gallery for distinguished alumni and faculty members of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
