John Fulkerson, MD Inducted into AOSSM Hall of Fame

Professor of Clinical Orthopaedic Surgery, John Fulkerson, MD, was inducted into the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine Hall of Fame at the organization’s 2023 annual meeting, which was held July 13 – 16 in Washington, DC. Induction into the AOSSM Hall of Fame is the highest honor given to a Society member in recognition of their great achievements in sports medicine.

“I am incredibly grateful and honored to know that others appreciate my efforts to improve the surgical care of patients with patellofemoral and ACL problems,” Fulkerson said. “I am particularly thankful for my wife, children, mentors and friends for support over the years. No one gets to any Hall of Fame without the support and encouragement of many good people. I am very grateful to my department colleagues Lisa Lattanza, MD, Gary Friedlaender, MD, Dan Cooperman, MD, Peter Jokl, MD, Christina Allen, MD, and Dan Wiznia, MD for the opportunity to continue my work at Yale.”

The prerequisites to simply nominate someone are extensive. Eligible candidates must possess a sports medicine career that has spanned a minimum of 15 years. They must have demonstrated exemplary contributions to the field of sports medicine particularly in scientific endeavors and/or leadership, and significant commitment to sports medicine via research and education while also making contribution of enduring value to sports medicine, to the AOSSM, and to both the past and future of the specialty.

Fulkerson is an internationally-recognized surgeon who specializes in patella instability. He founded the International Patellofemoral Study Group (1995) and the Patellofemoral Foundation (2003), where he currently serves as its president.

Early in his carrier, he was impressed by role models and Yale orthopaedic surgeons, Wayne O. Southwick, MD and Peter Jokl, MD, whose influences led him to specialize in orthopaedics and ultimately focus on sports medicine. Little was understood about the patellofemoral joint during the 70s-80s. To Fulkerson, this became an area of great interest, passion, and proved to be a tremendous opportunity to improve care for those suffering from patella instability and pain as well as anterior cruciate ligament tears.

He is probably best known for orthopaedic surgical innovation where he first described several now commonly performed surgical procedures: anteromedialization of the tibial tubercle (1983) for patellofemoral arthritis, instability and pain, medial quadriceps tendon-femoral ligament reconstruction (2013) for patella instability, and the first publication in the world's literature on bone-free quadriceps tendon reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament (1998), which is now a widely-preferred, mainstream, less painful, and reliable alternative for reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Using Fulkerson’s quad tendon bone-free ACL reconstruction technique, orthopaedic surgeons use the tendon above the kneecap rather than below it. While the quadriceps and patella tendons have similar structures, the quadriceps tendon is larger and thicker. As Fulkerson proved, when surgeons take a graft from a quadriceps tendon, they are not affecting the native tendon as much, and they are taking it from a less troublesome area of the knee.

Using the quadriceps tendon can be especially beneficial to younger patients as well as athletes who frequently jump or endure impact on the front of the knee. This procedure has also been associated with more rapid rehabilitation and less pain particularly when kneeling.

Because the contours and the mechanics of the patellofemoral joint are very complex, Fulkerson has been highly involved at Yale with 3D imaging and printing technology. He launched a Patellofemoral Instability Research Program during 2020 in collaboration with the School of Engineering & Applied Science, which encompasses research, clinical work, and education for residents, fellows, and students.

“Nothing is better than helping someone who is suffering,” Fulkerson said. “That is further rewarded by being able to do that at an academic medical center like Yale where I have the privilege of working with our students, residents, and fellows, who are all incredibly smart, enthusiastic, and creative.”

Fulkerson understands that those trainees and early-career surgeons will one day be future leaders in healthcare. His best advice to them goes beyond the guidance he offers in the operating rooms, clinic, and labs. “Keep studying, treat all patients and staff with respect, beware of arrogance, and lead by example,” he said. “Strive to always be honest, kind, humble, funny, energetic, and persevere for what is right and just.”

In previous capacities, Fulkerson has served as the head team physician for the NHL Hartford Whalers, AHL Hartford Wolfpack, U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey, and Trinity College football and ice hockey. He was Connecticut orthopedist of the year in 2016. He has published extensively on the patellofemoral joint in scientific literature, authored many chapters, monographs and one book on the topic as well as one non-orthopedic book “Thin Lines: A Vineyard Journey.”