Outcomes of Osteoporosis Research Study PromisingFor Immediate Release02/08/2010
Initial results from a Mansfield Orthopaedics clinical research study show promise that could ultimately help combat the bone loss associated with osteoporosis. The study, now in its second year, is focused on improving bone strength in women over the age of 55 with low bone mass. Dr. Bryan Huber, with assistance from Nella Wennberg, PA-C, is conducting the research at Copley Hospital in collaboration with Dr. Jim Howe of Fletcher Allen Healthcare.
Study participants are injected with a bone graft substitute and then monitored for bone growth for the next two years. “The goal of the study is to provide data that proves the bone graft substitute bonds with existing bone to spur new bone growth,” he said. Dr. Huber notes that this same bone graft substitute has already proven successful when used to fill bone voids and defects due to fractures. “It appears to increase bone density at the injection site so our research is designed to scientifically prove if that is indeed the fact.” Dr. Huber explains that they are seeing bone growth in participants one year into the study. "The initial results from the groundbreaking osteoporosis study are compelling. All patients have done well with the osteosupplementation injections and bone density scores have improved significantly. This novel intervention has promise to reset women's bone density at the injection site to levels half their age."
The study is still accepting participants; specifically women with DEXA scan results of t<2.5, indicating low bone mass. If you are interested in participating, contact Mansfield Orthopaedics at 888-8405.
Osteoporosis is a major health issue, affecting roughly 10 million Americans over the age of 50. And there are millions more who have low bone density which puts them at risk for osteoporosis and fractures. While men can get osteoporosis too, women are four times more likely than men to develop the disease. Lose of bone minerals will naturally occur as we age. People with bone loss measured between 2.5% to 3.0% are classified as having osteopenia, which means your bone mineral density is lower than normal, but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis. It does, however, put you at greater risk of developing osteoporosis. People with a bone loss measured greater than 3% have osteoporosis.
Mansfield Orthopaedics creates a compassionate and efficient system of care, providing comprehensive orthopedic evaluation, treatment and rehabilitation. The practice features two board certified orthopedic surgeons: Bryan Huber, MD and Eric Mullins, MD; with sports medicine specialist Richard James, MD. Services provided include Joint Replacement; Arthritis Care; Arthroscopic Surgery; Hand, Ankle and Foot Surgery; Sports Medicine and Fracture and Trauma Care. In addition to providing surgical consultation and post-surgical care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, aquatic therapy and athletic training care are offered in collaboration with Copley Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services. Mansfield Orthopaedics has clinics in Morrisville and Newport.
Contact Information
Leah Hollenberger
Senior Director Development & Marketing
Copley Health Systems
802-888-8301
lhollenberger@chsi.org
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