Safa Herfat

University of California, San Francisco, University of Cincinnati

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Safa Herfat is a leading researcher in orthopaedic biomechanics, with a focused expertise in knee joint kinematics and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) function. Her major contributions center on developing and applying simulated in vivo motion techniques to measure human knee and ACL kinetics, providing critical insights into how the knee behaves during realistic, dynamic activities. Her 2013 work on primary and secondary restraints of human and ovine knees, which has garnered 38 citations, established foundational data for understanding ligament contributions during simulated gait. Her 2012 study on applying simulated in vivo motions to measure knee and ACL kinetics (28 citations) advanced the methodology for assessing ligament forces under more physiologically relevant conditions. Additionally, her investigation into how perturbing simulated motion affects knee and ACL kinetics (14 citations) has helped clarify the mechanical consequences of abnormal movement patterns. This body of work is particularly significant because current surgical treatments for common knee injuries often fail to restore normal biomechanics, increasing susceptibility to early-onset osteoarthritis. Herfat’s research provides essential benchmarks for improving surgical outcomes and developing better rehabilitation strategies.