Advancing regenerative biomaterials and translational strategies in orthopaedic traumatology

The 2025 Orthopaedic Trauma Association's Basic Science Focus Forum featured a symposium on regenerative biomaterials and translational strategies for orthopaedic trauma. Four experts presented complementary perspectives on the next generation of bone and soft tissue repair: Dr. J. Tracy Watson described how orthobiologics and refined spacer design can be used to engineer a better Masquelet induced membrane; Dr. Lauren Priddy presented evidence that hydroxyapatite coatings can mitigate the rapid degradation of additively manufactured magnesium scaffolds; Dr. Vaida Glatt described the development and clinical translation of the Biomimetic Hematoma scaffold for bone and muscle regeneration; and Dr. Katherine Hixon outlined how the 3R principles (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) can serve as a framework to accelerate musculoskeletal regenerative engineering. Collectively, the symposium underscored a shift toward biologically informed, clinically predictive, and ethically responsible engineering solutions for the patients who sustain musculoskeletal trauma.