Grant: Foundation Grant

I have dedicated my research career to advancing the field of evidence-based orthopaedic surgery by establishing a research program that evaluates pragmatic interventions in fracture patients. This program, which led to the first large randomized controlled trial (RCT) in musculoskeletal injury patients, has subsequently enrolled over 12,000 patients across 6 clinical studies and defined the benchmark for the conduct of orthopaedic surgical trials. By engaging an international, highly collaborative network of surgeons and researchers, asking globally important questions, designing and executing high quality trials, and using effective knowledge translation activities, my group has transformed the care of patients with musculoskeletal injuries around the world. Over the next 7 years I envision advancing our fracture care research program towards fundamentally improving patient-important outcomes in individuals with musculoskeletal trauma. The goals of our program are to: 1) evaluate frugal innovations for high-energy fractures, 2) transform life after low-energy fractures, and 3) advance global fracture care in low-middle income countries (LMICs). To accomplish these goals, I will leverage my existing team and collaborations to complete 2 ongoing multi-national Canadian Institutes of Health (CIHR) funded studies (INORMUS; n=40,000 and HEALTH; n=1,400) and initiate 6 new clinical studies to address clinically relevant questions informed directly from my recently completed CIHR-funded fracture trials (FLOW, FAITH, TRUST, and SPRINT). The studies we design and conduct over the next 7 years will evaluate readily available implants, common surgical techniques, adjuvant biologics, and education initiatives that have the potential to improve the lives of injury victims in both North America and in LMICs, where the burden of trauma is greatest.