Joanna M. Stephen

Papers

Total Citations

150

H-Index

About

Joanna M. Stephen is a leading orthopaedic biomechanics researcher whose work focuses on understanding the complex ligamentous restraints of the knee and ankle to improve surgical outcomes for common sports injuries. Her most-cited study (113 citations) precisely quantified how the medial ligaments and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) work together to resist anteromedial rotatory instability of the knee, providing critical data that informs ACL reconstruction techniques. Stephen has also advanced the understanding of ankle instability by demonstrating the distinct functional roles of the superior and inferior fascicles of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL), a finding with direct clinical relevance for diagnosing and treating persistent ankle pain. To enable this work, she developed and validated a novel robotic system for ankle joint testing, a technical achievement that allows precise, repeatable measurement of joint mechanics under simulated physiological loads. Her research bridges the gap between laboratory biomechanics and clinical practice, offering surgeons evidence-based guidance for ligament repair and reconstruction. With a growing citation record and a focus on translational impact, Stephen is a key contributor to the field of orthopaedic sports medicine.