RESEARCH THEME: BONE & JOINT
Bone and Joint Research
 Bone
and Joint Research is a major developing theme at the Hanson
Institute, particularly in the area of translating basic and
applied research findings into clinical practice. The incidence
of age-related diseases such as osteoporosis and arthritis
are increasing dramatically because the Australian population
is aging at a rapid rate. Of particular concern is the rise
in the incidence of hip fracture, which is the most devastating
of the osteoporotic fractures. Approximately 3% of women in
their nineties suffer a hip fracture every year. This incidence
is bound to increase with increasing longevity and Australian
population studies have predicted a virtual doubling of hip
fracture incidence by 2020, assuming age-specific rates remain
constant.
Hanson researchers are involved in conducting studies utilising
the complete spectrum of experimental systems including cell
culture; pre-clinical, research animal models; and clinical
studies. Our extensive facilities available for animal model
studies have attracted international attention, particularly
from bone and joint prostheses companies. This work has particularly
contributed to greatly improving outcomes for patients receiving
hip replacements. The interaction between basic and clinical
researchers continues to provide a major stimulus to research
at the Hanson Institute.
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