Combined Randomised And Observational Study Of Type B Ankle Fracture Treatment
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$117,331.00
Summary
Ankle fractures are frequently seen in emergency departments, and isolated AO type B fibula fractures are the most common type of ankle fracture. Current treatment is equally divided between surgical, and non-surgical, as per surgeon preference. When managed surgically, these fractures consume considerable healthcare resources and expose patients to risks. This study will determine if surgery improves outcomes for patients with type B ankle fractures when compared with non-surgical management.
Mindfulness and coping in chronic illness: insights from a study of joint replacement surgery. This study investigates whether participation in a mental health enhancement program (mindfulness) will improve the recovery of patients undergoing total joint replacement. This will benefit patients by promoting psychological well-being which has direct effects on pain and physical function after surgery.
CROSSFIRE: Combined Randomised And Observational Study Of Surgery For Fractures In The Distal Radius In The Elderly
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$551,077.00
Summary
Fractures (breaks) near the wrist are the most common fractures treated. Treatment previously consisted of straightening and plaster casting in the emergency department, but standard treatment now includes admission to hospital and surgery to apply a plate and screws to the bone. The best evidence we have (which is limited) is that surgical plating does not provide important benefits over plastering. We aim to perform a multicentre trial comparing plating to plaster for these common fractures.
Outcome Of High Tibial Osteotomy For Medial Compartment Osteoarthritis Of The Knee: A Long-term Follow-up
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$65,070.00
Summary
In the young, active person, medial compartment osteoarthritis of the knee is a difficult problem to manage. Surgical options, such as total knee replacement, are often unsuccessful, due to functional restrictions and the need for revision surgery. An alternative is to extend the life of the arthritic knee by moving the primary weight-bearing surface to the other compartment (laterally), in an operation known as a high tibial osteotomy. This research looks at the outcome of this procedure.
Biological, Functional And Radiographic Evaluation Of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$307,400.00
Summary
We will test the hypothesis that autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and extensor realignment produces superior clinical, biological and radiographic results when compared with conventional treatment of realignment and debridement. We will specifically address the following aims: 1. Quantify the clinical outcome of ACI compared to the traditionally used treatment of debridement through the use of functional evaluation in a blinded randomised controlled clinical trial; 2. Evaluate the radio ....We will test the hypothesis that autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) and extensor realignment produces superior clinical, biological and radiographic results when compared with conventional treatment of realignment and debridement. We will specifically address the following aims: 1. Quantify the clinical outcome of ACI compared to the traditionally used treatment of debridement through the use of functional evaluation in a blinded randomised controlled clinical trial; 2. Evaluate the radiographic changes in the patellofemoral joint that occur as a result of ACI, using high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to quantify the regeneration of hyaline articular cartilage; 3. Using the new technique of confocal arthroscopy, we will compare the histologic appearances of the ACI graft and its interface with adjacent articular cartilage; 4. Evaluate patient, surgical and explant chondrocyte characteristics in relation to functional, radiographic and biological outcomes. With respect to the matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI) technique, we wish to clarify the clinical practice as a definitive treatment for articular cartilage defects. This will be the first randomised, controlled clinical trial of the MACI technique compared to that used by other groups. A positive clinical outcome from this trial will help promote the three cornerstones of this procedure – successful cell culture, efficient surgical procedures, and complimentary postoperative rehabilitation. Furthermore, this research will: a) Enhance the expansion of the MACI technique; b) Encourage development of endoscopic techniques of implantation using a combination of – • Preoperative defect registration with MRI • pre-cut custom patches, implanted with • Computer-assisted navigation techniques: c) Increase the potential to cater for a larger number of patients requiring articular cartilage repair; d) Confirm the long-term durability of regenerated cartilage in the 4th year and beyond; e) Add further commercial value by demonstrating MACI may prevent the onset of osteoarthritis.Read moreRead less
Economic Evaluation And Health Outcomes Of Arthritis And Its Treatments
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,660.00
Summary
Musculoskeletal diseases are the most common single cause of chronic disability in Australia and total joint replacement is rapidly becoming one of the most commonly performed operations. This burden of illness is likely to increase with our ageing population and there is an urgent need to obtain data relating to the costs and outcomes in the Australian context so that appropriate planning of health services and resources can be carried out. The WHO (World Health Organisation) has declared 2000 ....Musculoskeletal diseases are the most common single cause of chronic disability in Australia and total joint replacement is rapidly becoming one of the most commonly performed operations. This burden of illness is likely to increase with our ageing population and there is an urgent need to obtain data relating to the costs and outcomes in the Australian context so that appropriate planning of health services and resources can be carried out. The WHO (World Health Organisation) has declared 2000 to 2010 the Bone and Joint Decade, recommending that research into musculoskeletal disorders be a priority. We have been recruiting and following a unique cohort of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients, from both the public and private health sectors, who have been carefully documenting their health outcomes, health care costs (including primary, revision and bilateral hip and knee joint replacement surgery), out-of-pocket and indirect costs related to their arthritis. Long-term follow-up is now essential to obtain a clear picture of the impact of living with arthritis over time and the cost-effectiveness and predictors of good and bad outcomes of joint replacement surgery. The information derived from this study will be useful for patients and doctors in making their decisions about treatments, as well as for health care providers in planning of health services for arthritis sufferers. Given that the cohorts are already established, the study is in a unique position to provide ongoing important longer-term data for relatively low cost.Read moreRead less