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Julia Dawn Visgauss

Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery

Overview


I specialize in pelvic resection and reconstructive surgery.  I have a special interest in researching and understanding how people’s gait is affected by pelvic surgery, and how we can improve reconstructive techniques in order to optimally balance restoration of anatomy and function.

My translational research is focused on understanding what drives disease progression and treatment resistance in sarcoma.  Currently my focus is in chondrosarcoma, a subtype of bone sarcoma that produces cartilage, and has extremely limited treatment options beyond surgery.  My lab is working to uncover the cellular derangements and immune interactions that allow these cells to metastasize, and develop targeted systemic therapies to improve patient outcomes.

Current Appointments & Affiliations


Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery · 2021 - Present Orthopaedic Surgery, Clinical Science Departments
Member of the Duke Cancer Institute · 2019 - Present Duke Cancer Institute, Institutes and Centers

Recent Publications


Cryoablation of bone, soft tissue, and nerve in the setting of uninterrupted systemic cancer therapies.

Journal Article Clin Imaging · May 2025 PURPOSE: To assess safety of cryoablation in cancer patients receiving uninterrupted systemic cancer therapies with regard to wound healing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this single-institution IRB-approved retrospective study, all patients (29/50 (58 %) fema ... Full text Link to item Cite

Locking plate augmentation of polymethylmethacrylate-filled distal femoral defects: A biomechanical study.

Journal Article J Orthop Res · January 2025 Benign, locally aggressive tumors of the distal femur are typically treated with intralesional curettage and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cementation. However, it is not known whether plate fixation should be added to biomechanically augment these PMMA-fi ... Full text Link to item Cite

Exploring versatile applications of a vacuum-assisted bone harvester in orthopedic surgery.

Journal Article BMC Musculoskelet Disord · August 31, 2024 BACKGROUND: Orthopedic procedures often require removing bone or pathological tissue, with traditional methods involving instruments like curettes and rongeurs. However, these methods can be time-consuming and lead to increased blood loss. To mitigate thes ... Full text Link to item Cite
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Recent Grants


Investigating drivers and therapeutic approaches for LCP1 overexpression in chondrosarcoma

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society · 2024 - 2026

Investigating the role of LCP1 in metastatic progression of chondrosarcoma

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by The Musculoskeletal Tumor Society · 2022 - 2023

Genetic Profiling of Chondrosarcoma: A Clinical and Histologic Correlative Study

ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Piedmont Orthopedic Foundation · 2021 - 2022

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Education, Training & Certifications


Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine · 2012 M.D.