NIH Grant - Pelvic Insufficiency Fractures
New Research Collaboration between Ithaca College Movement Analysis Laboratory and University of Rochester Medical Center
The Ithaca College Movement Analysis Laboratory in collaboration with the University of Rochester will participate in a Center of Research Translation (CORT) grant in orthopaedics from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. It is part of a larger effort by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to fast-track basic scientific findings into meaningful clinical treatments (translational research). The Rochester CORT will explore new ways to heal trauma to bone and cartilage caused by aging and injury. About 3.6 million Americans suffer trauma to bones or soft tissue each year, with the worst damage caused by car crashes, gunshot wounds and falls. The number of orthopaedic injuries has increased in recent years as baby boomers age, and as U.S. soldiers in Iraq continue to suffer severe injuries.
Clinical Trial Associated with Ithaca College Movement Analysis Laboratory
As a co-investigator Dr. Houck will work with a team led by the primary investigators, J. Edward Puzas, Ph.D., professor of Orthopaedics, and Susan Bukata, M.D., assistant professor of Orthopaedics. This team will complete a clinical trial to see whether teriparatide, a fragment of parathyroid hormone, can correct for lower levels of the COX-2 enzyme in patients with pelvic insufficiency fractures, enhancing bone healing and functional recovery.
Brief Summary of Project
Pelvic insufficiency fractures may occur in frail elderly subjects as the result of a minor incident or traumatic fall. The expected mortality and functional outcomes after pelvic insufficiency fractures is not clear, with some studies reporting recovery of most patients (92 %) and others much lower recovery rates (37 %). Compromised bone healing requires many subjects to use assistive devices or bed rest to limit pain. Improving bone healing through parathyroid hormone (PTH) administration may improve recovery rates, preventing loss of independence. This clinical trial will compare the standard of care with standard of care plus PTH for a follow up period of 16 weeks. Data collection will occur at baseline, 4, 8, 12 and 16 weeks. The role of the Ithaca College Movement Analysis Laboratory team is to complete the primary and secondary measures of physical function. The primary outcome measures of physical function are the instrumented sit to stand (ISTS), gait velocity and the timed up and go (TUG). These performance based measures are complimented by secondary measures of functional ability and balance including the Lower Extremity Measure (LEM) (self report scale) and Berg Balance Scale (performance based scale). This battery of tests are designed to capture lower extremity power (ISTS), functional status (TUG, gait speed, LEM), and falls risk (TUG, Berg Balance Scale). The training and ability of the Ithaca College Movement Analysis team is well suited to manage and administer the proposed tests in compromised frail elderly subjects following pelvic insufficiency fractures.
