Dr. Matthew Garner’s research interests are broad and include both clinical and basic science studies. As a clinician, he is interested in improving surgical techniques and overall patient care. In order to accomplish this, patient outcomes (self-reported, radiographic and clinically assessed) are recorded and compared in an effort to instruct providers on current best practice. This is done within the Penn State Health system and in collaboration with other centers around the United States, including members of the Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium (METRC).

Dr. Garner's basic science research includes an assessment of vaporized nicotine on healing using various rat models, as well as assessments of biofilm-mediated orthopaedic implant infection treatment modalities, specifically radio-frequency-induced implant heating. He also studies fracture implant biomechanics using synthetic and cadaveric models.

Dr. Matthew Garner’s primary teaching goals to improve resident and fellow education and surgical training with the intent of producing competent surgeons who have the ability to interpret and incorporate available information into practice. This includes a regular evaluation of teaching/didactic methods, the creation of surgical simulation modules and intraoperative skills improvement and evaluation.

Beyond the institution, Dr. Garner is invited faculty on a weekly webinar sponsored by the Orthopaedic Trauma Association focused on basic fracture care theories and techniques for residents across the United States. He is also an AO North America faculty member and teaches at AO courses.

As an orthopaedic trauma surgeon, Dr. Matthew Garner specializes in the care of patients with fractures or injuries of the pelvis, acetabulum and/or extremities. This includes multiple-injury patients as well as those with complex periarticular fractures. He also has an interest in the management of fracture non-unions and the correction of limb deformities and malunions.

Board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery, American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, 2018 

Member, American Medical Association, 2017 to present

Member, Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society, 2016 to present

Member, Orthopaedic Trauma Association, 2013 to present