Tishya A. L. Wren, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Research
Departments of Orthopaedics, Radiology & Biomedical Engineering
University of Southern Calilfornia

Director of Research, Motion Analysis Laboratory
Childrens Orthopaedic Center , Childrens Hospital Los Angeles    

Phone: 323-361-4120 | Fax: 323-361-1310 | Email: twren@chla.usc.edu

Degrees

B.A. Amherst College - Computer Science (1992)

M.S. Stanford University - Mechanical Engineering (1994)

Ph.D. Stanford University - Mechanical Engineering (1997)

Research Interests

• Biomechanics and modeling of muscles, tendons, and bones
• Development and functional adaptation of the musculoskeletal system
• Gait and motion analysis
• Bone density and fractures in children

Dr. Wren is a biomechanical engineer working in clinical environment.  As Director of Research for the Motion Analysis Laboratory at Childrens Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), Dr. Wren conducts clinical and basic research in several different areas of orthopaedics.  Two of the primary areas are (1) evaluation and treatment of gait abnormalities in children with neurologic deficits and (2) assessment of bone density and fractures in children.  This research is carried out in collaboration with colleagues in the Childrens Othopaedic Center as well as faculty in the Childrens Imaging Research Program.

Medical and engineering students with an interest in orthopaedics and/or biomechanics are encouraged to inquire about our research programs.  Contact Dr. Wren directly for more information.

Selected Publications

Wren TAL, Kalisvaart, MM, Ghatan CE, Rethlefsen SA, Hara R, Sheng M, Chan LS, Kay RM.  Effect of pre-operative gait analysis on costs and amount of surgery.  J Pediatr. Orthop. 29, 558-563, 2009.

Wren TAL, Sheng M, Bowen RE, Scaduto AA, Kay RM, Otsuka NY, Hara R, Chan LS.  Concurrent and discriminant validity of spanish language instruments for measuring functional health status.  J. Pediatr. Orthop. 28, 199-212, 2008.

Wren TAL, Do KP, Hara R, Rethlefsen SA.  Use of a patella marker to improve tracking of dynamic hip rotation range of motion.  Gait and Posture 27, 530-534, 2008.

Wren, T.A.L., Rethlefsen, S.A., and Kay, R.M.  Prevalence of specific gait abnormalities in children with cerebral palsy:  Influence of cerebral palsy subtype, age, and previous surgery.  J. Ped. Orthop. 25, 79-83, 2005.

Wren TAL, Liu X, Pitukcheewanont P, Gilsanz V.  Bone densitometry in pediatric populations:  discrepancies in the diagnosis of osteoporosis by DXA and CT.  J. Pediatrics 146, 776-779, 2005.

Wren TAL, Liu X, Pitukcheewanont P, Gilsanz V.  Bone acquisition in healthy children and adolescents:  comparison of dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography measures.  J. Clin. Endocrin. Metabol. 90, 1925-1928, 2005.

Wren TAL, Lindsey DP, Beaupré GS, Carter DR (2003)  Effects of creep and cyclic loading on the mechanical properties and failure of human Achilles tendons.   Annals of Biomedical Engineering 31, 710-717.

Wren TAL, Yerby SA, Beaupré GS, Carter DR (2001)  Mechanical properties of the human Achilles tendon.  Clinical Biomechanics 16, 245-251.

Full publications list