Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Osteoporosis is called brittle bone disease because it makes bones fragile and more likely to fracture, especially when a person falls. Approximately 2 million Canadians live with osteoporosis, costing our health care system $20 billion each year. Wrist fractures are the most common type of osteoporotic fractures. Current osteoporosis diagnostic tools are unable to identify individuals with high fracture risk. The overall goal of this research is to develop and validate a new method for determining bone strength that can be used to identify individuals at risk of wrist fracture. In this study I will use synchrotron-based imaging to optimize measurements of bone micro-architecture provided by advanced clinical imaging. Using optimized imaging methods, I will then develop a computer model which estimates wrist bone strength when falling onto the outstretched hand. I will validate estimates of bone strength using experimental mechanical testing-crucial to ensure that non-invasive strength estimates are trustworthy. This research is scientifically important and clinically relevant as findings will improve our understanding of how to characterize bone micro-architecture underpinning osteoporosis, bone strength and fracture risk. Importantly, these results will guide osteoporosis measurement, fracture risk assessment and assist research aiming to improve osteoporotic fracture prevention and treatment. Altogether, these efforts will contribute to skeletal health, mobility, physical functioning and quality of life of those who suffer with osteoporosis and related fractures.