Jonathon D. Backus, MD, board-certified sports foot and ankle specialist is helping lead a renewed national effort to advance research and treatment options for ankle arthritis. The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society® (AOFAS), in collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation, has announced the launch of Round 2 of the Ankle Arthritis Think Tank Research Grants Program, reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation in ankle osteoarthritis care.
The expanded grant initiative will award up to $750,000 in merit-based research funding over two years, supporting clinical studies focused on slowing, stopping, or improving treatment for ankle osteoarthritis, an often overlooked but debilitating condition affecting millions of Americans.
“We’re excited to announce round two and a deepening collaboration with the Arthritis Foundation to tackle ankle arthritis,” said Jonathon Backus, MD, Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Foundation Board Member. “This partnership represents a meaningful step forward in developing better solutions for patients living with ankle arthritis.”
Driving Innovation in Ankle Osteoarthritis Research:
Osteoarthritis affects more than 30 million people in the United States, and ankle arthritis, which is frequently linked to prior injury or sports-related trauma, can significantly limit mobility and quality of life. Through this initiative, three research grants of up to $250,000 each will be awarded to AOFAS members conducting high-impact clinical research in ankle arthritis.
The program encourages a wide range of investigative approaches, including:
- Biomechanical optimization to prevent or treat ankle osteoarthritis
- Strategies to slow or prevent arthritis progression in adjacent joints, including the subtalar joint
- Early diagnostic testing using clinical specimens
- Development of disease-modifying treatments, including orthobiologics
- Genetic risk factors for ankle osteoarthritis
- Large-scale database and outcomes research
Building on a Strong Research Foundation:
The Ankle Arthritis Think Tank builds on prior success. In 2023, the program awarded nearly $600,000 in research funding, and in 2025, AOFAS and the Arthritis Foundation also partnered on the Foot and Ankle Arthritis Development Program, which provided mentorship and hands-on research training for medical students and residents interested in foot and ankle orthopaedics.
Grant Application Timeline:
- Letters of Intent Due: March 2, 2026
- Full Applications Due: April 17, 2026
- Award Notifications: September 2026
- Public Announcement: AOFAS Annual Meeting, Seattle, Washington
Applications must be submitted through the Arthritis Foundation’s online portal.
About the American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS):
The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) is the leading global organization dedicated to advancing foot and ankle orthopaedic care through education, research, and advocacy. AOFAS supports innovative research, delivers world-class educational programs, and promotes excellence in patient care. Learn more at aofas.org.
About the Arthritis Foundation:
The Arthritis Foundation is committed to improving lives for the more than 54 million Americans living with arthritis. Through research funding, advocacy, and community support, the Foundation works to accelerate breakthroughs and remove barriers to care. Learn more or get involved at arthritis.org.
