Why macrophages promote heterotopic ossifications following spinal cord injuries [ 2016 - 2018 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Jean-Pierre Levesque (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Allison Pettit ,  A/Pr Marc Ruitenberg ,  A/Pr Natalie Sims ,  Prof Dietmar Hutmacher

Brief description A frequent complications of brain and spine injuries is the formation of bones outside of the skeleton called "heterotopic ossifications", particularly around joints such as the knee, hip, elbow or shoulder. They grow over a few months to become so large (up to 2 kg) that they block muscles and joints, increasing pain, morbidity and dependance. This project is to understand why heterotopic ossifications form in patients with spine injuries aiming to discover effecttive treatments.

Funding Amount $AUD 603,395.58

Funding Scheme Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant