The study of dynamic and static elements of hip fracture
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The study of dynamic and static elements of hip fracture patients: the DOSH study. An age-matched case control feasibility study.
IRAS ID
127952
Contact name
Stephen Paul Tuck
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Research summary
1 in 2 women over the age of 50 will break a bone. Women with hip fractures suffer from long-term pain, reduction of movement and are more likely to die. One of the reasons why women break hips is osteoporosis or 'fragile bone disease'; a disease that makes the bones more porous and prone to break. A bone density scan, or DXA scan, is often performed to diagnose osteoporosis. The porous, weakened bone shows as low density on the scan. Whilst helpful, DXA gives very little information about the structure of the bone and why it has broken. Other techniques such as CT scans give more structural detail, but these have so far not added a lot to doctors’ ability to predict who will break hips.
Our study aims to use samples of hip bones to see if it is possible to improve on the information provided by DXA and CT scans by studying the structure of the bone and the proteins that are present. When a hip is replaced because it has worn out (osteoarthritis) or a broken hip is repaired it often means that part of the old hip bone has to be removed. This is usually destroyed, but instead we shall study its structure, strength and mechanical properties. Some will be used to test for the presence of certain proteins, which we believe are important in the regulation of bone formation. The remainder will be used to measure the production of proteins by the bone cells. This is important as it is the proteins that determine what structure the bone can form. Between three and six months after their operation participants will undergo DXA and CT scans. We shall compare the data obtained from women with hip fractures with that from women undergoing hip replacements for osteoarthritis.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/NE/0295
Date of REC Opinion
4 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion