BONE SIZE AND BONE TURNOVER: RELATIONSHIP TO FRACTURE RISK OVER TEN YEARS [ 2003 - 2005 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Mark Kotowicz (Principal investigator) ,  Prof Ego Seeman ,  Prof Geoffrey Nicholson ,  Prof Julie Pasco

Brief description The occurrence of fracture in the ageing population is a major public health problem because these fractures are responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Of women reaching 90 years of age, one third will fracture their hip and overall, one in every six women will sustain an osteoporotic fracture in her lifetime. The direct cost to the community is unknown but estimated, conservatively, at 175 million dollars annually. Most of this is likely to be the result of hip fractures which occupy an estimated 400,000 bed-days annually. This bed occupancy is fourth next to mental illness, cardiac disease and cancer. The Geelong Osteoporosis Study is a large population-based epidemiological study currently under way to evaluate the major risk factors for fracture in women . This present study which will be an extension of the study to date, will provide in total, 8-10 years of data concerning the processes that result in increased bone fragility and fracture.

Funding Amount $AUD 428,225.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant