Pioneering Orthopedic Research & Innovation

From Harvard training to global publications — advancing joint preservation and biologics through science.

Dr. Frank McCormick’s research has redefined modern sports medicine. With over 100 peer-reviewed papers, 200 lectures, and collaborations across leading institutions, his work forms the backbone of SIGMA Orthopedics’ data-driven care model — delivering precision, safety, and superior outcomes.

WHY OUR RESEARCH MATTERS

Clinical Impact:

90%+ return to sport in under 6 months.

Patient Safety:

0.8% complication rate — below national average.

Continuous Innovation:

Research → Protocol → Patient Outcome.

Landmark studies

At Sigma Orthopedics, we believe that meaningful clinical care is built on rigorous research. Over the course of Dr. McCormick’s career he has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and delivered 200+ lectures. From that body of work we identified approximately 25 publications for which the following criteria were met:

These “landmark studies” represent the subset of Dr. McCormick’s research that we believe laid the strongest foundation for our evidence-based care model. While his full publication directory remains available (link), this curated list highlights the work that changed thinking, advanced the field, and continues to inform how we care for patients today.

We are dedicated to delivering success in “mission-critical” injury recovery programs through a rigorous, evidence-based approach. This requires a strong foundation in medical science, critical application of research in clinical practice, and a commitment to continuous process improvement. Our goal is to consistently provide innovative, cutting-edge care that pushes the envelope—while maintaining scientific integrity and validated outcomes.

With over 25 years of research experience, I have authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and delivered 200+ national and international presentations. My work spans advanced arthroscopic techniques, human performance, system safety, and the development of widely adopted treatment protocols. I am especially proud of over 25 “landmark” studies—each cited over 100 times—that have shaped modern orthopedic sports medicine and continue to influence global practice. These contributions reflect a career-long commitment to advancing care through science, collaboration, and innovation.

My CV, or Curriculum Vitale, is provided to aid in the foundation of my knowledge, training and experience. Moreover, I provide a list of the publications I have authored. You will see I have authored over 100 publication and given over 200 presentations nationally and internationally.

My current research is centered on critically evaluating treatment outcomes, developing adaptive evidence-based protocols, and integrating orthobiologics into advanced care regimens. As a researcher-practitioner, I systematically approach complex injuries by drawing on insights from my own published studies and clinical trials to guide precise, individualized treatment strategies. This work has led to meaningful modifications of standard protocols—many documented in key publications—resulting in improved recovery times and patient outcomes. By directly applying research findings to clinical care, I’ve helped establish evidence-based guidelines that prioritize measurable results over intuition, shaping treatment decisions with a clear risk-benefit framework. Our proprietary, research-driven approach—supported by over 25 landmark publications—has not only demonstrated academic rigor but also laid foundational principles in orthopedic sports medicine, injury management, and human performance. This ongoing commitment to innovation continues to “push the envelope” in clinical excellence and deliver truly cutting-edge care.

SIGMA RESEARCH INTEGRATION

From Research to Real Results

Every study informs our Six Sigma protocols — translating evidence into standardized excellence for every patient.
Add a visual showing Research → Clinical Application → Outcome Measurement.

Awards & Affiliations Bar

VIDEO INTRODUCTION

Dr. McCormick discusses his mission to merge academic research with practical orthopedic innovation.
Thumbnail of video Introduction

Research

We aim to achieve successful and reliable organization success for “Mission-Critical” injury recovery programs. To be successful requires a deep understanding of evidence-based practices, a strong foundation in the basic medical sciences, the critical application of research in the clinic setting, continuous process improvement, and then using these tool to transcend boundaries or “push the envelope,” but still applying sound scientific methodology to provide and validate advanced “Cutting-Edge Care.”

Over my now 25-year research career, I have studied and published on a variety of topics such as advanced arthroscopic techniques of the shoulder, hip and knee; human performance and system safety parameter improvements; and contributed to the establishment of diagnostic approaches and treatment protocols that are now widely adopted and validated. My colleagues and collaborators are now at leading orthopedic sports medicine institutions around the country and we have traveled the world exchanging ideas and concepts.

My CV, or Curriculum Vitale, is provided to aid in the foundation of my knowledge, training and experience. Moreover, I provide a list of the publications I have authored. You will see I have authored over 100 publication and given over 200 presentations nationally and internationally.

I am particularly proud of the below compilation of the more than 25 authored “Landmark Papers” reflecting my commitment to advancing medical knowledge and treatment modalities. These publications have not only shaped current practices but have also established new paradigms in orthopedic sports medicine. These landmark studies (defined as having 100 citations or more) that I have authored serve as a testament to my position as a subject matter expert, innovator, and influential thought leader within the field. My publication record has significantly influenced sports medicine practices and continues to guide practitioners worldwide. Essentially, it serves as a pivotal point in scientific knowledge progression, or again “Pushing the Envelope.”

The list is in no particular order and is hyperlinked to the pubmed reference. Full articles are available on request.

My current research focuses on critically evaluating treatment outcomes and developing adaptive protocols based on evidence, as well as introducing orthobiologic as part of our treatment regimens.

As a researcher-practitioner, I approach complex cases systematically, drawing from my own published studies and clinical trials to determine optimal treatment strategies. This research-based expertise has been particularly valuable when managing complicated injuries that require nuanced treatment approaches.

Furthermore, my research has led to modifications in standard protocols, as documented in several of my key publications. This work has enabled me to develop evidence-based, individualized treatment plans that have demonstrated improved outcomes and recovery times.

The direct application of my research findings has significantly impacted patient care quality. My published work has established guidelines for selecting treatment modalities and risk-benefit profiles, allowing for evidence-based rather than intuition-based decision-making.

In conclusion, our proprietary approach to clinical decision-making, supported by the more than 25 authored landmark clinical research papers demonstrates not just academic achievement, but has helped establish fundamental principles in orthopedic sports medicine, human performance, injury management and evidence-based practice.

I feel this approach continues to shape treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes, making our influential research experience an essential consideration in injury recovery teams. My ongoing research continues to advance the field, or “Push the Envelope” while providing “Cutting-Edge Care” to patients.