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Ryan sees both private and ACC patients at Axis Sports Medicine in central Auckland and on the North Shore. Ryan operates at North Shore Surgical Centre, Milford.

Ryan Gao Shoulder Elbow Specialist

Ryan Gao

Orthopaedic Surgeon

Shoulder and Elbow Specialist

Awards

Ryan’s research has been recognised by some of the most prestigious international academic accolades in shoulder and elbow surgery, including “The Grammont Award”, which was named after the famous French surgeon Paul M. Grammont MD, who pioneered the Reverse Shoulder Replacement. Some of Ryan’s recent awards are listed below. 

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International Awards

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The Grammont Award – SECEC-ESSE, 2022, Awarded to the best arthroplasty paper presented at the 30th, SECEC-ESSE Congress (European Society for Surgery of the Shoulder and Elbow), Dublin, Ireland, Sep 7-9, 2022, For paper: “Oral and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Are, Equivalent at Reducing Blood Loss Following Total Shoulder, Arthroplasty – A Prospective, Multi-centre Randomised Controlled Trial”

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SICOT/AAOS Award, 2022, Awarded to the best podium paper presented at the 42nd SICOT, Orthopaedic World Congress, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Sep 28-29, 2022, For paper: Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients Younger Than 55 Years of Age

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AAOS 'Game Changer' Award, 2014, Recognition for producing one of the 15 original research most likely to impact orthopaedic practice in the world For paper: "Removal of the syndesmosis srew after the surgical treatment of a fracture of the ankle in adult patients does not affet one-year outcomes - a randomised controlled trial" Paper presented at The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting New Orleans, USA

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New Zealand Awards

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Awarded as New Zealand Ambassador

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New Zealand Orthopaedic Association Ambassador to The Korean Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting, 2024

 

New Zealand Orthopaedic Association Ambassador to The Hong Kong Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting, 2023

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Awarded Prize and Grant

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Wishbone Orthopaedic Research Foundation of New Zealand, 2023, Awarded for the research entitled, “The Kouvalchouck Procedure vs Distal Tibial Allograft for Posterior Shoulder Instability” (Ref 2023/5) 

 

Wishbone Orthopaedic Research Foundation of New Zealand, 2023, Awarded for the research entitled “Mixed Reality Navigation in Shoulder Arthroplasty” (Ref 2023/3) 

 

Wishbone Orthopaedic Research Foundation of New Zealand, 2023, Awarded for the research entitled “Pyrocarbon Shoulder Hemiarthroplasty” (Ref 2023/4) ​​

 

Jeffrey Shield Research Prize, 2022, Awarded to the best orthopaedic research project presented at the annual research day. Dunedin, New Zealand, For paper: Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients Younger Than 55 Years of Age

 

Ross Nicolson Prize Winner, 2021, Awarded to the best research paper presented at the Auckland Orthopaedic Society Meeting For paper: ‘Lactoferrin increases bone regeneration in a rat critical- sized calvarial defect model’ 

 

Ross Nicolson Prize Winner, 2020, Awarded to the best research paper presented at the Auckland Orthopaedic Society Meeting For Paper: “Oral and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Are Equivalent at Reducing Blood Loss Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty – A Multi - centre Randomised Controlled Trial" 

           

Ross Nicolson Prize Winner, 2018, Awarded to the best research paper presented at the Auckland Orthopaedic Society Meeting For paper: "Human spinal bone dust  - an osteogenic and osteoinductive autologous bone graft" Presented at the Auckland Orthopaedic Society Annual Meeting, 

 

Wishbone Research Foundation Scholarship, 2018, For SANTA Trial - Shoulder Arthroplasty Necessitating Tranexamic Acid, A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial, 

 

Sir Louis Barnett Prize Winner - Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, 2017, The premiere academic accolade for all surgical disciplines in NZ, For paper: ‘Lactoferrin increases bone regeneration in a rat critical- sized calvarial defect model’ 

 

Auckland Academic Health Alliance Collaborative Research Grant, 2015-2017 for human spinal bone dust benchtop research

 

Health Research Council Clinical Research Training Fellowship, 2015 & 2016 for PhD research, Thesis: "Enginnering Musculoskeletal Tissue"

 

Best Presenter Award for final year PhD students, 2015, Presented at the Auckland Medical School "Doctoral Showcase"

 

Sir John Logan Campbell Medical Trust Grant, 2015, 

 

Surgeon Scientist Scholarship, 2015, from the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

The most lucrative research scholarship from RACS, Awarded but declined in favour of The HRC Fellowship

 

New Zealand Orthopaedic Association Research Grant, 2015, for human spinal bone dust benchtop research

 

Wishbone Trust Research Scholarship, 2015, for human spinal bone dust benchtop research​

 

New Zealand Orthopaedic Association Research Grant, 2014, for bony scaffold research

 

Wishbone Trust Research Scholarship, 2014, for bony scaffold research

 

Fellow in Surgery (Research), University of Auckland, 2014, Scholarship University of Auckland

 

Distinction in MBChB, University of Auckland, 2009     

Publications and Presentations

​As an academic orthopaedic surgeon, Ryan completed a PhD in musculoskeletal tissue engineering during his orthopaedic residency. Ryan’s has published a number of award winning peer reviewed journal articles and written book chapters in several premiere, gold standard orthopaedic reference textbooks. â€‹

Research Publication

Original Research

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  1. R. Gao, C. Fleet, W. Jin, J. Johnson, K. Faber, G. Athwal. The Kouvalchouk Procedure versus Distal Tibial Allograft for Treatment of Posterior Shoulder Instability: The Deltoid “Hammock. Accepted for publication in JSES. 2024

  2. C. Fleet, R. Gao, Johnson, G. Athwal. An In-Vitro Comparison of Mixed Reality Navigation to Traditional Freehand and Patint Specific Instrumentation Tehcniques for Glenoid Guide Pin Insertion During Shoulder Arthroplasty. Accepted for publication in JSES. 2024

  3. B. Tan, S. Kiat, R. Gao, G. Moreno, I. Chatindiara, PC. Poon. Validation of A Pictorial Based Range of Motion Self-Assessment Tool in Shoulder Arthroplasty. Accepted for publication Seminars in Arthroplasty - Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. February 2023

  4. R. Gao, A. Viswanath, CM. Frampton, PC. Poon. Short-Term outcomes following 159 stemmed pyrocarbon shoulder hemiarthroplasties and how do they compare with conventional hemiarthroplasties and total shoulder arthroplasties in patients younger than 60 years of age with osteoarthritis: Results from The New Zealand National Joint Registry. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2023 Feb 17:S1058-2746(23)00087-3. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.01.020. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36804023.

  5. R. Gao, F. Isaksson, A. Hasan, B. Tan, I. Chatindiara, P. Poon. Good clinical and radiological outcomes of anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty with a novel convertible all polyethylene glenoid with hybrid fixation minimum 2-year follow-up. Seminars in Arthroplasty - Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. January 04, 2023 DOI:https://doi.org/10.1053/j.sart.2022.11.001

  6. D. Naot, B. Pool, A. Chhana, R. Gao, J. Munro, J. Cornish, N. Dalbeth. Factors secreted by monosodium urate crystal-stimulated macrophages promote a proinflammatory state in osteoblasts: a potential indirect mechanism of bone erosion in gout. Arthritis Res Ther. 2022. Sep 5; 24(1):212. PMCID: PMC9442999

  7. A. Chhana, B. Pool, KE. Callon, D. Naot, R. Gao, B. Coleman, J. Cornish, GM. McCarthy, N. Dalbeth. Basic calcium phosphate crystals induce the expression of extracellular matrix remodelling enzymes in tenocytes. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2022 Jul 9:keac392. doi: 10.1093/rheumatology/keac392. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35809060.

  8. R. Gao, M. van der Merwe, B. Coleman, M. Boyle, C. Frampton, M. Hirner. Outcomes of reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients under 55 years old: Results from the New Zealand joint registry. Shoulder & Elbow. June 16, 2022. doi.org/10.1177/17585732221104745

  9. R. Gao, M. Hirner, M. van Niekerk, E. Ledesma, A. Campbell, A. Gibson, B. Coleman. Oral and intravenous tranexamic acid are equivalent at reducing blood loss following shoulder arthroplasty – a multicentre, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Seminars in Arthroplasty: Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. Volume 32, Issue 2, June 2022, Pages 415-420. doi.org/10.1053/j.sart.2021.12.006

  10. D. Naot, A. Choi, M. Street, M. Pronk, A. Zhao, A. Thambyah, R. Gao, J. Cornish, N. Dalbeth, B. Coleman, D. Musson. Age-related differences in hamstring tendon used as autograft in reconstructive anterior cruciate ligament surgery.  Int Ortho. 2022 Jan 21. PMID: 35059770    DOI: 10.1007/s00264-021-05285-x

  11. D. Naot, J. Bentley, C. Macpherson, R. Pitto, U. Bava, A. Choi, B. Matthews, K. Callon, R. Gao, A. Horne, G. Gamble, I. Reid, J. Cornish. Molecular characterisation of osteoblasts from bone obtained from people of Polynesian and European ancestry undergoing joint replacement surgery. Sci Rep 11, 2428 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-81731

  12. T. Baldock, S. Bolam, R. Gao, M. Zhu, M. Rosenfeldt, S. Young, J. Munro, P. Monk. Infection prevention measures for orthopaedic departments during the COVID-2019 pandemic: a review of current evidence. Bone Jt Open. 2020 Oct 27;1(4):74-79. doi: 10.1302/2633-1462.14.BJO-2020-0018.R1. eCollection 2020 Apr

  13. D. Naot, M. Watson, A. Choi, D. Musson, K. Callon, M. Zhu, R. Gao, W. Caughey, R. Pitto, J. Munro, A. Horne, G. Gamble, N. Dalbeth, I. Reid, J. Cornish. The effect of age on the microarchitecture and profile of gene expression in femoral head and neck bone from patients with osteoarthritis. Bone Reports. 2020 Jun 5;13:100287. doi: 10.1016/j.bonr.2020.100287

  14. A. Chhana, B. Pool, Y. Wei, A. Choi, R. Gao, J. Munro, J. Cornish, N.Dalbeth. Human cartilage homogenates influence the crystallization of monosodium urate (MSU) and the inflammatory reponse to MSU crystals: a potential link between osteoarthritis and gout. Arthritis Rheumatology. 2019 Jul 11. Doi: 10.1002/art.41038.

  15. D. Musson, R. Gao, M. Watson, J. Lin, Y. Park, D. Tuari, K. Callon, M. Zhu, N. Dalbeth, D. Naot, J. Munro, J. Cornish. Bovine Bone Particulates Containing Bone Anabolic Factors as a Potential Xenogenic Bone Graft Substitute. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2019 14:60.doi.org/10.1186/s13018-019-1089-x

  16. R. Gao, M. Street, M. Tay, K. Callon, D. Naot, A. Lock, J. Munro, J. Cornish, J. Ferguson, D. Musson. Human Spinal Bone Dust as a Potential Local Autograft: In vitro Potent Anabolic Effect on Human Osteoblasts. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2018 Feb 15,43(4):E193-E199.doi:10.1097/BRS.0000000000002331.

  17. M. Street, R. Gao, W. Martis, J. Munro, D. Musson, J. Cornish, J. Ferguson. The Efficacy of Local Autologous Bone Dust: A Systematic Review. Spine Deform. 2017 Jul;5(4):231-237. doi: 10.1016/j.jspd.2017.02.003.

  18. A. Lock, R. Gao, D. Naot, B. Coleman, J. Cornish, D. Musson. Induction of immune gene expression and inflammatory mediator release by commonly used surgical suture materials: an experimental in vitro study. Patient safety in surgery, 2017 (11:16) doi: 10.1186/s13037-017-0132-2 

  19. R. Gao, M. Watson, K. Callon, D. Tuari, M. Dray, D. Naot, S Amirapu, J. Munro, J. Cornish, D. Musson. Local Application of Lactoferrin Promotes Bone Regeneration In a Rat Critical-Sized Calvarial Defect Model As Demonstrated by Micro-CT And Histological Analysis. J Tissue Eng Regen Med. 2016 Nov 15. doi: 10.1002/term.2348

  20. M. Boyle, R. Gao, C. Frampton, B. Coleman. Removal of the syndesmosis srew after the surgical treatment of a fracture of the ankle in adult patients does not affet one-year outcomes: a randomised controlled trial. Bone Joint J. 2014.96-B:1699-1705

  21. M. Stowers, R. Gao, R Penumarthy, JT Munro. Periarticular use of steroids for knee replacement surgery. Ann Orthop Rheumatol. 2014. 2(30): 1028

  22. R. Gao, M. Tomlinson. Correlation of Pirani and Dimeglio Scores with Number of Ponseti Casts Required for Clubfoot Correction. J Pediatr Orthop. J Pediatr Orthop. 2014 Sep; 34(6):639-42. doi: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000000182.

  23. S. Kravochuck, R. Gao, J. Church. Differences in Colonoscopy technique impact quality. Surg Endosc. 2014 Jan 30.

  24. R. Gao, S. Loo. Review of 100 consecutive microvascular free flaps. N Z Med J, 2011 4; 124:49-56.

  25. R. Gao, A. Shao, B. Dorman. Spontaneous retropharyngeal haematoma: report of a case. ANZ Journal of Surgery, 2011 81: 756.

  26. T. Kenealy, B. Docherty, N. Sheridan, R. Gao. Seeing patients first: creating an opportunity for practice nurse care? J Prim Health Care, 2010 2:136-41​​

Published Proceedings

  1. A. Chhana, B. Pool, A. Choi, R. Gao, M. Zhu, J. Cornish, N. Dalbeth. Human Cartilage Influences the Crystaliization of Monosodium Urate: Understanding the Link Between Gout and Osteoarthritis. ARTHRITIS & RHEUMATOLOGY. WILEY. 69:2 pages. 01 Oct 2017.

  2. N. Dalbeth, B. Pool, A. Chhana, K. Callon, D. Naot, R. Gao, B. Coleman, J. Cornish, G. McGarthy. Basic Calcium Phosphate Crystal Interactions with Tenocytes: An in Vitro Model of Calcific Tendinitis. Arthritis & Rheumatology 67:3 Pages 01 Oct 2015.

  3. J. Cornish, R. Gao, D. Naot, K. Callon, D. Tuari, M. Watson, J. Munro, D. Musson. Bovine Lactoferrin Promotes Bone Healing in a Rat Cirtical-Sized Calvarial Defect Model. 4th TERMIS World Congress, Boston, MA. Tissue Engineering Part A. 01 Sep 2015.

  4. R. Gao, D. Naot, K. Callon, A. Choi, J. Munro, C. McIntosh, J. Cornish, D. Musson. Bovine Microcrystaline Hydroxyapatite Calcium as a Potential Bone Graft Substitute. 4th TERMIS World Congress, Boston, MA. Tissue Engineering Part A. 01 Sep 2015.

  5. R. Gao, D. Musson, K. Callon, Y. Park, V. Correlo, J. Munro, J. Cornish. PHB-HV 3D Scaffold Supports Osteoblast Growth. 4th TERMIS World Congress, Boston, MA. Tissue Engineering Part A. 01 Sep 2015.

Presentation

Podium Presentations

  1. R. Gao, M. Hirner, M. van Niekerk, E. Ledesma, A. Gibson, A. Campbell, B. Coleman. Oral and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Are Equivalent at Reducing Blood Loss Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. – A Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial. Hong Kong Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting. Hong Kong, China, Nov 4-6, 2023 

  2. R. Gao, C. Fleet, W. Jin, K. Faber, J. Johnson, GS. Athwal. Kouvalchouk procedure vs Distal Tibial Allograft in Posterior Shoulder Instability – The Hammock Effect Exists. American Society of Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Annual Meeting. Scottsdale, Arizona, USA, Oct 4-7, 2023 

  3. C. Fleet, R. Gao, J. Johnson, GS. Athwal. A Comparison of Mixed Reality Navigation to Patient Specific Guides and Trandional Freehand Technique for Guide Pin Insertion in Glenoids with Severe Erosions. 34th ISTA Congress. New York, New York, USA, Sep 27-30, 2023 

  4. R. Gao, F. Isaksson, A. Hasan, B. Tan, I. Chatindiara, P. Poon. Good Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Anatomic Total Shoulder Arthroplasty with a Novel Convertible All Polyethylene Glenoid With Hybrid Fixation: Minimum 2-Year Follow-up. 15th International Congress on Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (ICSES). Rome, Italy, Sept 5-8, 2023 

  5. R. Gao. Surgical Treatment for Proximal Humerus Fracutres – China Webinar. August 19 2023 

  6. R. Gao. LimaCorporate Staff Training – China Webinar. April 9 2023 

  7. R. Gao, M. Hirner, M. van Niekerk, E. Ledesma, A. Gibson, A. Campbell, B. Coleman. Oral and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Are Equivalent at Reducing Blood Loss Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. – A Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial. SICOT, 42nd Orthopaedic World Congress. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 28-30 September 2022

  8. R. Gao, M. Hirner, M. van der Merwe, C. Frampton, B. Coleman, M. Boyle. Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients Younger Than 55 Years of Age. SICOT, 42nd Orthopaedic World Congress. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 28-30 September 2022

  9. R. Gao, M. Hirner, M. van Niekerk, E. Ledesma, A. Gibson, A. Campbell, B. Coleman. Oral and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Are Equivalent at Reducing Blood Loss Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. – A Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial. 30th SECEC-ESSSE Congress. Dublin, Ireland, September 7-9, 2022

  10. R. Gao, M. Hirner, M. van Niekerk, E. Ledesma, A. Gibson, A. Campbell, B. Coleman. Oral and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Are Equivalent at Reducing Blood Loss Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. – A Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial. NZ Shoulder and Elbow Society Meeting, Queenstown, New Zealand, August 202

  11. C. Ling,  R. Gao, W. Heiss-Dunlop. Elbow Instability: Repair and reconstruction of ligaments for acute and chronic injuries. NZ Shoulder and Elbow Society Meeting, Queenstown, New Zealand, August 2021

  12. M. van der Merwe, R. Gao, M. Hirner, C. Frampton, B. Coleman, M. Boyle. Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty in Patients Younger Than 55 Years of Age. NZ Shoulder and Elbow Society Meeting, Queenstown, New Zealand, August 2021

  13. R. Gao, M. Hirner, M. van Niekerk, E. Ledesma, A. Gibson, A. Campbell, B. Coleman. Oral and Intravenous Tranexamic Acid Are Equivalent at Reducing Blood Loss Following Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. – A Multi-Centre Randomised Controlled Trial. Ross Nicolson Paperday, Auckland, New Zealand, November 20, 2020

  14. R. Gao, M. Hirner, C. Frampton, M van Der Merwe, B. Coleman, M. Boyle. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients younger than 55 years of age. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting. Orlando, United States of America, March 2020. (NB: This meeting was canclled due to the COVID-19 pandemic)

  15. R. Gao, M. Hirner, C. Frampton, M van Der Merwe, B. Coleman, M. Boyle. Reverse shoulder arthroplasty in patients younger than 55 years of age. NZ Shoulder and Elbow Soceity Meeting. Noumea, New Caledonia, July 17, 2019

  16. A. Gibson, R. Gao, Short or Long Intramedullary Device Study (SOLID Study). NZ Orthopaedic Association Paperday. Hawkesbay, March 6, 2019

  17. R. Gao, R. Pitto, D. Naot, J. Cornish. Comparison of Gene Expression Between Polynesian and Caucasian Osteoblast. NZ Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting. Rotorua, New Zealand. October 15-18, 2018

  18. M. Hirner, R. Gao, M. Van Niekerk, C. Walker. Interobserver and Intraobserver Reliability of Glenoid Version Measured on CT scans compared with 3D automated systems. NZ Shoulder CME Meeting. Queenstown, New Zealand, July12-16, 2017

  19. R. Gao, D. Naot, K. Callon, D. Tuari, M. Watson, J. Munro, D. Musson, J. Cornish. Lactoferrin Increases Bone Healing in a Rat Critical-Sized Calvarial Defect Model. Australia and New Zealand Combined Annual Scientific Meeting. Cairns, Australia, October 9-13, 2016

  20. R. Gao, D. Musson, A. Choi, M. Tay, J. Munro, J. Cornish, J. Ferguson. In vitro osteoinductive potential of autologous posterior spinal bone dust. New Zealand Orthopaedic Assocation Annual Scientific Meeting. Wellington, New Zealand, October 19-21, 2015

  21. R. Gao, K. Callon, Y, Park, V. Correlo, R. Reis, J. Munro, J. Cornish, D. Musson. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of PHB-HV as a potential scaffold for bone regeneration. Australia and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting. Auckland, New Zealand, October 1-3, 2015

  22. R. Gao, D. Naot, K. Callon, A. Choi, J. Munro, J. Cornish, D. Musson. Bovine microcrystalline hydroxyapatite calcium as a potential bone graft substitute. Australia and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting. Auckland, New Zealand, October 1-3, 2015

  23. J. Cornish, R. Gao, D. Naot, K. Callon, D. Tuari, M. Watson, J. Munro, D. Musson. Lactoferrin promotes bone healing in a rat critical-sized calvarial defect model.  Australia and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting. Auckland, New Zealand, October 1-3, 2015

  24. A. Lock, R. Gao, K. Callon, B. Pool, A. Choi, J. Munro, J. Cornish, D. Musson. In Vitro Immunogenicity Testing for Novel Bone Graft Scaffolds. Australia and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting. Auckland, New Zealand, October 1-3, 2015

  25. R. Gao, D. Naot, K. Callon, D. Tuari, M. Watson, J. Munro, D. Musson, J. Cornish. Lactoferrin Promotes Bone Healing in a Rat Critical-Sized Calvarial Defect Model, World Congress in Orthopaedics. Xi’An, China, September 24-26, 2015

  26. R. Gao, K. Callon, J. Munro, J. Cornish, D. Musson. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel bone graft substitutes. skelGEN annual meeting. Guimarães, Portugal, September 15-16, 2015

  27. J. Cornish, R. Gao, D. Naot, K. Callon, D. Tuari, M. Watson, J. Munro, D. Musson. Bovine Lactoferrin Promotes Bone Healing in a Rat Critical-Sized Calvarial Defect Model, Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society World Congress. Boston, USA, September 8-11, 2015

  28. J. Cornish, R. Gao, D. Musson, K. Callon, D. Tuari, D. Naot, M. Watson. Bovine lactoferrin increases new bone formation in a rat critical-sized calvarial defect model. European Calcified Tissue Society Conference. Rotterdam, Netherlands, April 25-28, 2015

  29. R. Stowers, R. Gao, R. Orec, P. Eaton. Cuneiform osteotomy for slipped upper femoral epiphysis: A retrospective review of 39 consecutive cases. New Zealand Orthopaedic Associtation Registrar Paper Day. Nelson, New Zealand, March 12, 2015

  30. R. Gao, D. Musson, K. Callon, D. Tuari, M. Watson, J. Munro, J. Cornish. A critical sized bone defect model in rats for evaluating bone healing substitutes, Mechanobiology Symposium. Auckland, December 3, 2014

  31. R. Gao. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of scaffolds and growth factors for bone healing. skelGEN Annual Meeting. Auckland, December 1, 2014

  32. R. Gao. D. Musson, A. Choi, J. Munro, J. Cornish. Skeletal Regenerative Potential of a Novel Bovine Hydroxyapatite. New Zealand Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting. Tauranga, October, 21, 2014

  33. R. Gao, M. Street, D. Musson, J. Munro, J. Cornish. Rotator Cuff Augmentation: an in vivo study using a lactoferrin seeded biomaterial scaffold. Australia and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting. Adelaide, Australia, September 22, 2014

  34. R. Gao, D. Musson, A. Choi, J. Munro, J. Cornish. Skeletal regenerative potential of a novel bovine hydroxyapatite. Louis Barnett Prize presentation. Queenstown, NZ, August 15, 2014

  35. R. Gao, M. Boyle, B. Coleman. Does ankle syndesmosis screw removal affect patient outcomes? A prospective, randomised, controlled trial, Combined Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Conference. Sydney, Australia, August 3, 2013

  36. R. Gao, D. Naot, R. Pitto, J. Cornish. Comparison of gene expression in osteoblasts from Polynesian and Caucasian patients. NZ Orthopaedic Paper Day. Auckland, New Zealand, March 21, 2013

  37. R. Gao, M. Tomlinson. Correlation of Dimeglio and Pirani classification systems with Ponseti cast treatment for clubfoot. NZ Orthopaedic Paper Day. Wellington, New Zealand, March 29, 2012

  38. R. Gao, S. Loo. Outcome of 100 consecutive free flaps. New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons Annual Conference. Auckland, New Zealand, November 28, 2010

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Poster Presentations

  1. R. Gao, D. Musson, A. Choi, M. Tay, J. Munro, J. Cornish, J. Ferguson. Autologous posterior spinal bone dust is an effective bone graft material. Australia and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society Annual Scientific Meeting. Hobart, Australia, November 1-4, 2015

  2. J. Choi, R. Gao, M. Street, D. Naot, K. Callon, S. Amirapu, B. Coleman, J. Cornish, D. Musson. Biomechanical characterisation of tendon tissue used as autograft in reconstructive knee surgeries: what causes the high failure rate in younger patients? Australia and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society Annual Scientific Meeting. Hobart, Australia, November 1-4, 2015

  3. A. Lock, R. Gao, D. Naot, J. Munro, J. Cornish, D. Musson. In vitro Immune Screening for Novel Bone Graft Scaffolds. Australia and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society Annual Scientific Meeting. Hobart, Australia, November 1-4, 2015

  4. Y, Park, R. Gao, K. Callon, V. Correlo, R. Reis, J. Munro, J. Cornish, D. Musson. PHB-HV 3D scaffold as a potential bone graft substitute. Australia and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society Annual Scientific Meeting. Hobart, Australia, November 1-4, 2015

  5. N. Dalbeth, B. Pool, A. Chhana, K. Callon, D Naot, R. Gao, B Coleman, J. Cornish. Basic Calcium Phosphate Crystal Interactions with Tenocytes: An In Vitro Model of Calcific Tendinitis. American College of Rheumatology Annual Meeting. San Francisco, USA, November 7-11, 2015

  6. R. Gao, K. Callon, Y, Park, V. Correlo, R. Reis, J. Munro, J. Cornish, D. Musson. PHB-HV 3D Scaffold Supports Osteoblast Growth. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society World Congress. Boston, USA, September 8-11, 2015

  7. R. Gao, D. Naot, K. Callon, A. Choi, J. Munro, J. Cornish, D. Musson. Bovine Microcrystalline Hydroxyapatite Calcium as a Potential Bone Graft Substitute. Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society World Congress. Boston, USA, September 8-11, 2015

  8. R. Gao, D. Musson, A. Choi, M. Tay, J. Munro, J. Cornish, J. Ferguson. Autologous posterior spinal bone dust is a simple and effective osteoinductive graft material. Scoliosis Research Society Annual Conference. Minnesota, USA, September 30 – October 3, 2015

  9. M. Watson, R. Gao, D. Musson, K. Callon, D. Tuari, D. Naot, J. Cornish. Bone regeneration is increased with local application of lactoferrin in critical-sized rat calvarial defects. International Society of Bone Morphometry Conference. Tokyo, Japan, April 27-29, 2015

  10. R. Gao, D. Musson, A. Choi, J. Munro, J. Cornish. Osteoblast viability and differentiation following treatment with a novel hydroxyapatite based product. Australia and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society Meeting. Queenstown, New Zealand, September 8, 2014

  11. M. Street, R. Gao, D. Musson, J. Cornish. Healing of the tendon and bone interface: an in vivo study utilising a novel biomaterial/lactoferrin scaffolds. Bone Research Society Annual Conference. Sheffield, United Kingdom, June 25-26, 2014

  12. R. Gao, D. Buchanan, S. Loo. Zone II Flexor digitorum profundus repair –  comparison of rupture rates for three popular suture techniques (Adelaide vs Modified Kessler vs Tsai/Lim Techniques). New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons Annual Conference. Auckland, New Zealand, November 28, 2010

  13. M. Jarrar, R. Gao, T. Jessie, J. Church. Sigmoid Dyskinesia as an indication for sigmoid colectomy. Annual American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Conference. Minneapolis, USA, May 15-19, 2010

  14. J. Church, S. Kravochuck, R. Gao. Differences in colonoscopy technique: how do they impact patient care? Annual American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Conference. Minneapolis, USA, May 15-19, 2010

B584BE08-FD7B-4B81-9283-4AAB921F03A6.jpeg

Ryan Gao

MBChB, PGDipSurgAnat, FRACS, PhD

Contact axis:

+64 9 521 9846

ortho@axissportsmedicine.co.nz

International awards:

The Grammont Award, SICOT/AAOS Award, AAOS 'Game Changer' Award

Publications:

Refer to the over 30 research publications inclusive of randomised control trials. Still to come, international book chapters in publication phase. 

​Education:

Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB)

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medicine & Surgery

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Fellowship:

Elbow & Shoulder Surgery Fellow Wrightington Hospital Upper Limb Unit,

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Shoulder Surgery Fellow Roth | McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre (HULC), St. Joseph's Hospital, London, Canada

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Shoulder & Elbow Surgery Fellow Northshore Hospital, Auckland, NZ

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Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery

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Education and Qualification

2014 - 2016

2011

2004 - 2009

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Medicine & Surgery, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Postgraduate Diploma in Surgical Anatomy, University of Otago, New Zealand

2004 Bachelor of Health Sciences, Medical Intermediate, University of Auckland, New Zealand

 

2005 - 2009 Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) Graduated with Distinction, University of Auckland, New Zealand

Fellowship training Experience

2023 - 2024

2022 - 2023

2021

2021

Elbow & Shoulder Surgery Fellow

Wrightington Hospital Upper Limb Unit,

Wigan, United Kingdom

Professor. Adam Watts, Mr. Andrew Wright, Mr. Steve Bale, Mr. C.Y. Ng, Professor. Len Funk, Professor. Puneet Monga, Mr. Mike Walton, Professor. Ian Trail

Shoulder Surgery Fellow

Roth | McFarlane Hand & Upper Limb Centre (HULC)

St. Joseph's Hospital, London, Canada

Professor. George Athwal, Professor. Kenneth Faber, A/P. Darren Drosdowech, Professor. Graham King, A/P. Marie-Eve LeBel, A/P. Robert Litchfield

Shoulder & Elbow Surgery Fellow

Northshore Hospital, Auckland, NZ

Mr. Peter Poon, Mr. Peter Mutch, Mr. Rob Elliott

Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons

FRACS Orthopaedic Surgery

Keeping up to date 

CONFERENCES AND WORKSHOPS ATTENDED

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  • Management of Massive Irreparable Rotator Cuff Tears, Cadaveric Workshop, Arthrex, Munich, Germany, 2023

  • Hong Kong Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting, Hong Kong, China, 2023

  • 15th International Congress on Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (ICSES), Rome, Italy, 2023

  • Canadian Orthopaedic Association ASM, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 2023

  • Arthrex Sports Medicine Fellowship Forum, Naples, Florida, USA, 2023

  • Shoulder, Elbow and Hand Meeting, Snowmass, Colorado, USA, 2023

  • Arthrex Advanced Shoulder Arthroscopy “Cowboy Way”, Naples, Florida, USA, 2022

  • Lima Masters Shoulder Symposium, New York City, USA, 2022

  • Zimmer/Biomet Shoulder Cadaveric Course, Las Vegas, USA, 2022

  • Zimmer/Biomet Shoulder Cadaveric Symposium, Sydney, Australia, 2022 

  • Exactech Shoulder Cadaveric Symposium, Sydney, Australia, 2021

  • LimaCorporate Shoulder Cadaveric Symposium, Auckland, NZ, 2021

  • NZ Shoulder and Elbow Society Meeting, Queenstown New Zealand, 2021

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Conference, Orlando Florida, United States of American 2020. (NB: meeting cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic)

  • AOA Foot & Ankle Instructional Course Lectures, Gold Coast, Australia, 2019

  • NZ Shoulder and Elbow Society Meeting, Noumea, New Caledonia, 2019

  • Medartis Hand and Wrist Cadaveric Course, Auckland, New Zealand, 2019

  • OTC Upper Limb Cadaveric Approaches Course, Sydney, Australia, 2019

  • Zimmer/Biomet Shoulder Symposium, Sydney, Australia, 2019

  • AO Spine Course, Melbourne, Australia, 2019

  • Australia and New Zealand Paediatric Society Instructional Course Lecture, Noosa, Australia, 2018

  • AO Advanced Principles of Trauma Course, Queenstown, NZ, 2018

  • OTC Trauma Case Controversies, Auckland, NZ, 2017

  • Zimmer Biomet Periprosthetic Fractures Management Course, Auckland, NZ, 2017

  • OTC Cadaveric Knee Approaches Course, Sydney, Australia, 2017

  • Stryker Knee Bioskills Cadaveric Course, Brisbane, Australia, 2017

  • OTC Cadaveric Upper Limb Approaches Course, Sydney, Australia, 2017 

  • Zimmer Biomet Shoulder Arthroplasty and Approaches Cadaveric Course, Sydney, Australia, 2017

  • Spineart Approaches to Spine Cadaveric Course, Auckland, NZ, 2016

  • Orthoapedic Research Society Annual Meeting, Orlando, USA, 2016

  • Mechanobiology Symposium, Auckland, NZ, 2015

  • Joint ANZBMS, MEPSA and MBSANZ Annual Scientific Meeting. Hobart, Australia, 2015

  • New Zealand Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting. Wellington, NZ, 2015

  • skelGEN Annual Meeting. Guimaraes, Portugal, 2015

  • Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society World Congress. Boston, USA, 2015

  • Scoliosis Research Society Annual Conference. Minnesota, USA, 2015

  • World Congress in Orthopaedics. Xi’An, China, 2015

  • Australia and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting. Auckland, NZ, 2015

  • MedTech CoRE annual conference. Auckland, NZ, 2015

  • Mechanobiology Symposium. Auckland, NZ, 2014

  • skelGEN Annual Meeting. Auckland, NZ, 2014

  • New Zealand Orthopaedic Association Annual Scientific Meeting. Tauranga, NZ, 2014

  • Australia and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Conference. Adelaide, Australia, 2014

  • Australia and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society Annual Conference. Queenstown, NZ, 2014

  • Louis Barnett Prize Presentation. Queenstown, NZ, 2014

  • Bone Research Society Annual Conference. Sheffield, UK, 2014

  • Molecular Pharmacology Workshop. Oxford, UK, 2014

  • European Calcified Tissue Society PhD Course. Oxford, UK, 2014

  • Combined Australian and New Zealand Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Conference. Sydney, Australia, 2013

  • New Zealand Orthopaedic Paper Day. Auckland, NZ, 2013

  • Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient, Auckland, NZ, 2012

  • Australian and New Zealand Surgical Skills Education and Training. Auckland, NZ, 2012

  • New Zealand Orthopaedic Paper Day. Wellington, NZ, 2012

  • Early Management of Severe Trauma. Auckland, NZ, 2011

  • Critical Literature Evaluation and Research. Auckland, NZ, 2011

  • New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons Annual Conference. Auckland, NZ, 2010

  • Australia and New Zealand Chinese Medical Association Conference. Auckland, NZ, 2010

  • Managing adverse outcomes workshop. Auckland, NZ, 2010

  • American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons Meeting. Florida, USA, 2009

  • Mastering your risk workshop. Auckland, NZ, 2009

APPOINTMENTS

​​​Current:

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Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora - Waitemata, 2024 , Northshore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand, Orthopaedic Shoulder and Elbow and Trauma Surgeon

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Fellowships:

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Wrightington Hospital Upper Limb Unit,, Wrightington Hoospital, Wigan, United Kingdom (Six Months), Clinical Shoulder and Elbow Fellow

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Roth | McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre (HULC), St. Joseph's Hospital, London, Canada (12 Months), 2022, Clinical Shoulder and Elbow Fellow

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Waitemata District Health Board (Six Months), 2022, Clinical Shoulder and Elbow Fellow

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Orthopaedic Training posts:

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Waitemata District Health Board (Six Months), 2022, Orthopaedic Registrar (Surgical Education Training Year 5), Shoulder, Elbow, Hand, Arthroplasty and Trauma

 

Auckland District Health Board (Six Months), 2022, Orthopaedic Registrar (Surgical Education Training Year 5), Shoulder, Elbow, Hand, Arthroplasty and Trauma

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Counties Manukau District Health Board (Six Months), 2020, Orthopaedic Advanced Trainee Registrar (Surgical Education Training Year 4), Spine, Foot&Ankle, Paediatrics and Trauma

 

Waitemata District Health Board (Six Months), 2020, Orthopaedic Advanced Trainee Registrar (Surgical Education Training Year 4), Upper Limb, Hip Arthroplasty, Foot&Ankle and Trauma

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Counties Manukau District Health Board (Six Months), 2019, Orthopaedic Advanced Trainee Registrar (Surgical Education Training Year 3), Hand & Upper Limb

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Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland District Health Board (Six Months), 2019, Orthopaedic Advanced Trainee Registrar (Surgical Education Training Year 3), Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgery

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Counties Manukau District Health Board, 2018, Orthopaedic Advanced Trainee Registrar (Surgical Education Training Year 2)

 

Northland District Health Board, 2017, Orthopaedic Advanced Trainee Registrar (Surgical Education Training Year 1)

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Counties Manukau District Health Board, 2016, Orthopaedic Registrar (PGY5)

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NZ Health Research Council, 2015 - 2016, Clinical Research and Training Fellow

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Australia and New Zealand Orthopaedic Research Society, 2014 - 2016, Student Representative, 2014 - 2016, University of Auckland, 2014, Fellow in Surgery (Research)

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Counties Manukau District Health Board, 2013, Orthopaedic Registrar (PGY4),

 

Auckland District Health Board, 2012, Orthopaedic Registrar (PGY3)

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Counties Manukau District Health Board, 2010 - 2011, House Surgeon (PGY1 and PGY2)

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