Laboratory of Kyle R. Eberlin, MD
Overview
As part of the Hand & Arm Research Collaborative (HARC) and the Interdisciplinary Care for Amputees Network (ICAN), the Eberlin Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital conducts clinical, translational, and outcomes-based research in peripheral nerve surgery, reconstructive surgery, and amputation care. The lab is dedicated to improving treatment strategies and patient outcomes for individuals with peripheral nerve disorders and neuropathic pain, complex extremity injuries, limb loss, and related functional impairment.
Working across disciplines, the lab studies surgical decision-making, recovery, pain, function, and quality of life in both upper and lower extremity conditions. Its long-term goal is to generate evidence that supports innovation in nerve and reconstructive surgery and helps deliver more effective, patient-centered care.
Research Projects
Surgical Prevention and Treatment of Neuropathic Pain and Painful Neuromas
This project cluster focuses on surgical strategies to prevent and treat neuropathic pain and painful neuromas following nerve injury or amputation using innovative surgical techniques like Targeted Muscle Reinnervation (TMR). The goal is to improve pain control, function, and quality of life through evidence-based approaches to nerve management.
Mangled Digits Outcome Prediction
This research examines factors associated with outcomes after severe digital injuries and explores how these injuries can be assessed more consistently. The long-term aim is to support clinical decision-making and improve counseling, treatment planning, and functional outcomes.
Biological Drivers of Neuropathic Pain
As Human Surgical Tissue Core Lead, Dr. Eberlin contributes to the Harvard PRECISION Human Pain Center’s work to procure and process human tissue samples for chronic pain research. These efforts aim to better understand the cellular and molecular basis of neuropathic pain and inform future treatment strategies.
Refinement of Reconstruction and Amputation Techniques
This group of projects focusses ways to refine reconstructive and amputation techniques in order to improve healing, reduce pain, and optimize postoperative function. The goal is to advance surgical approaches that better support recovery, rehabilitation, and long-term patient outcomes.
Machine Learning in Surgical Outcome Prediction
This research explores how machine learning can be used to predict surgical outcomes and identify factors associated with recovery across diverse patient populations. The broader objective is to support more precise, data-driven, and individualized surgical decision-making.
Hand & Arm Research Collaborative
Publications
Open Positions
Short-term volunteer positions are available for medical students who are interested in dedicating time to orthopaedic hand and upper extremity research. Short-term researchers take on projects under the guidance of our PhD candidates and become well-versed in clinical research methodology and biostatistics.
Long-Term positions are also available for those planning on pursuing a PhD or the equivalent at their respective institutions. Such positions extend between two and three years and are well-suited for those interested in independently managing multiple research projects while also exercising leadership in the field.
To apply, please submit your CV and a motivation letter to Sujit Chepuri at schepuri@mgh.harvard.edu. Letters of recommendation are strongly encouraged.