Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain characterised by extra bone formation at the hip, called a cam-deformity. FAI is thought to create hip joint damage and osteoarthritis. Our 5 year longitudinal study of people with FAI in two (Melbourne and Brisbane) sites will investigate whether factors (such as cam-deformity size, hip contact force, muscle strength and joint range) can predict hip joint damage (measured with magnetic resonance imaging) over two years.
Whole Body Vibration For Osteoporosis: Shaking Up Our Treatment Options
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$961,017.00
Summary
Our aim is to examine the ability of vibration alone and in combination with osteoporosis drugs to reduce hip fracture in postmenopausal women. In Australia, 1 in 2 women >60yrs, will sustain an osteoporotic fracture. Only drugs notably decrease fracture; however none are entirely effective and some patients don’t respond. Whole body vibration has emerged as a potentially effective therapy. A combination of vibration and drugs may enhance the effects of both and revolutionise treatment.
The Role Of Osteocytes In Particle Induced Osteolysis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$457,196.00
Summary
Hip replacements often fail due to the loss of adjacent bone. Metal or polyethylene particles are produced as the prosthesis bearing surface wears but how do these particles lead to bone loss? Our work suggests involvement of osteocytes within the bone mineral, which are increasingly understood to drive bone physiology and pathology. We will explore the role of the osteocytes by examining their response to particles, which may identify a new target to prevent particle-induced bone loss.
Economic Evaluation And Optimisation Of Services For The Preoperative Assessment And Management Of High Risk Surgical Patients
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$399,406.00
Summary
Medical co-morbidities in surgical patients affect post-surgical recovery, resulting in higher health service costs and poorer patient outcomes. Preliminary data indicate reduced post-surgical length of stay for patients with modifiable risk factors who attended a specialist preoperative clinic. This project will analyse existing data to identify patient sub-groups with the greatest capacity to benefit from specialist preoperative assessment, and evaluate new service pathways for these patients.
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.
The Role Of CHKB In Osteoclastic Bone Resorption And Bone Homeostasis
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$565,695.00
Summary
Osteoporosis is a devastating disorder. Osteoporotic fractures in the elderly have been correlated with increased mortality rates. Osteoporosis alone costs $13.8 billion p.a. in USA and tens of millions of dollars in Australia. Cost to society of our ageing population for people become disabled by hip fractures alone could triple by the year 2040. Our research examines the role of CHKB in bone loss which may underscore its potential as a new molecular target for anti-resorptive drug development.
A Randomised Controlled Trial To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of Zoledronate Therapy In Osteonecrosis Of The Hip.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$535,441.00
Summary
Osteonecrosis of the hip is an important cause of musculoskeletal disability and finding therapeuticsolutions has proven to be challenging. A wide range of surgical treatments with variable success rates ahve been proposed for the treatment. Non-surgical treatment options are limited and usually result in a poor prognosis. This novel clinical trial research will study the protective value of a bisphosphonate in patients with osteonecrosis of the hip and evaluate the cost-effectiveness.
Bisphosphonate Treatment Of Childhood Femoral Head Avascular Necrosis Due To Perthes Disease
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,368,242.00
Summary
Perthes disease (PD) occurs following loss of blood supply to the hip (femoral head). It is a severe childhood disorder with over 250 new cases per year in Australia. PD results in flattening of the normally round femoral head and painful arthritis. The hip becomes flat because the bone is eaten by cells called osteoclasts. We will test if a medicine aimed at stopping these osteoclasts can prevent hip flattening. This should decrease the risk of arthritis and the need for hip replacement.