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.
Improving Adherence With The Use Of Hip Protectors, In Community, Residential Aged Care And Hospital Settings
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$405,250.00
Summary
Hip protectors are plastic shields or foam pads worn over the hip in specially adapted underwear. A number of studies in older people have shown that hip protectors are very effective if worn when a fall occurs and these have been available for the last few years in Australia. Unfortunately it has been difficult for older people to wear the hip protectors reliably and because of limited compliance with their use they have not been fully effective. This study will compare provision of a brochure, ....Hip protectors are plastic shields or foam pads worn over the hip in specially adapted underwear. A number of studies in older people have shown that hip protectors are very effective if worn when a fall occurs and these have been available for the last few years in Australia. Unfortunately it has been difficult for older people to wear the hip protectors reliably and because of limited compliance with their use they have not been fully effective. This study will compare provision of a brochure, with supply of the older person's choice of hip protectors , with or without cost, and with or without contact with a nurse who will assist with use of the hip protector. After six months the level of use of the hip protectors will be checked. The new strategies tested in this study may increase compliance with hip protectors to a level where they will be effective if used at home in the community, in residential aged care facilities, and in hospitals.Read moreRead less
Falls and broken bones are costly health problems among the elderly, even more so when there is a growing older population aged over 65 years. In Australia about 1 million older people have at least one fall each year and about 40-60% will sustain major injuries including broken bones. Therefore there is a need to identify effective ways to reduce falls and improve outcomes of those who break a bone, especially of the hip.
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.
Hip fractures are a devastating consequence of injurious falls, resulting in reduced quality of life, reduced independence and further falls. The cause of a fall is often multi-faceted. Falls risk assessment tools identifying falls management strategies are available, yet hip fracture rehabilitation approaches often fail to identify and implement these targeted management strategies. The aim of this project is to improve falls and injury risk assessment and management following hip fracture.
The Impact Of Individualised Care Plans For Elderly Patients Discharged Home From Hospital After Neck Of Femur Fracture: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$475,920.00
Summary
Improved delivery of care to older Australians who sustain a broken hip is a major health need. Transitions from hospital remain a high-risk process. Written discharge plans are recommended nationally, but are not routinely implemented. This randomised controlled trial will test whether a discharge intervention can improve hip fracture patients capacity to live well in the community. The intervention harnesses existing services and infrastructure, and can be rapidly scaled up if effective.
Regulation Of Key Pathways Causing Peri-implant Bone Loss.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$403,639.00
Summary
The failure of bone prostheses is becoming a major health problem in our aging population. Despite the impressive success of joint replacement surgery, a significant number of arthroplasties fail. It is now apparent that most implants fail due to bone loss around them which leads to loosening. This project aims to obtain a better understanding of the causes of implant failure and find ways to extend the life of these implants .