SUMMARY
The research interests of Allen T. Bishop, M.D., include clinical studies, experimental surgery and basic research. These interests directly result from the reconstructive problems he regularly faces in clinical practice.
Dr. Bishop's largest research focus is on how to promote, restore or maintain circulation in musculoskeletal tissues through surgically enhanced and growth factor-enhanced promotion of angiogenesis. Areas of interest include reconstructive microsurgery for tissue and bone loss in the extremities, treatment of carpal bone fracture nonunions, avascular necrosis of bone, and brachial plexus injury.
Focus areas
- Vascular bone grafts to treat scaphoid fracture nonunion and osteonecrosis. Dr. Bishop develops new approaches to treat these conditions, including transplantation of bone and cartilage grafts from the lower end of the thigh bone with microsurgical repair of the blood supply at the wrist.
- Treatment of peripheral nerve injuries, especially involving brachial plexus. During Dr. Bishop's career, patient care has been optimized, especially with the formation of a multidisciplinary clinic. This clinic includes neurosurgeons, hand and microsurgical specialists, pain management physicians, pediatric orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists.
- Reconstructive microsurgery. Orthopedic surgeons often need to restore the form and function of the limbs when tumors, severe trauma and congenital conditions are present. Dr. Bishop uses microsurgical methods to restore large missing segments of bones using the fibula and to reconstruct missing skin and muscle with microsurgical flaps.
Significance to patient care
Dr. Bishop develops new ways to treat carpal fractures the body can't heal and bone tissue death due to a lack of blood supply — changing the clinical practice of hand surgery. His brachial plexus team treats patients with limb paralysis. The team publishes its results and methods so other healthcare professionals can learn and apply the approaches to these procedures.
Dr. Bishop travels globally to share his experience and present his methods to colleagues. He welcomes many surgeons to Mayo Clinic to attend clinics, surgery and educational activities.