Recruiting through hospitals only

Recruitment

Now recruiting however as this study is directly recruiting through hospitals direct recruitment is not needed in this trial.

Background

The Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health in collaboration with Southern Health and the Monash University Institute for Health Services Research is conducting a study into the detection of early spinal fractures as an early sign of osteoporosis in women over the age of 65 who are hospitalized for any other reason.

Approved by the Southern Health and Monash University Human Research and Ethics Committee.

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become weak and may break. Common sites to fracture are the wrist, hip and spine. Bone loss is often gradual and without warning signs, until the disease is advanced and a fracture has occurred. Osteoporosis affects around two million Australians. The elderly and women are particularly at risk with 85% of fractures occurring over the age of 65 years. Osteoporotic fractures are preventable.

For more information see Bone Health for Life

Small Fractures of the vertebrae in the back are the most common osteoporotic fracture. Most of these fractures cause no pain and they often remain undetected until multiple fractures occur, causing a hump in the back. It is important that these fractures are identified, as they are a predictor of future more serious fractures.

Investigators

Prof. Helena Teede, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, Director Research Jean Hailes Foundation for Women's Health, Head of Diabetes Southern Health, Monash University Research Fellow - Dept Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Monash Institute of Health Services research.

Dr Indra Jayashuria MBBS, FRACP. Jean Hailes and Monash University Research Fellow

Dr Don Barrie, MBBS, Senior Radiologist at Southern Health

Study Aim

To improve our diagnosis of these early fractures so that we can begin to detect and treat patients for osteoporosis to prevent more severe fractures from occurring.

Methods

The easiest way to find these fractures is with a Sideways Chest X-Ray. For most people these are normal, but in some people they show a small fracture and prevention can then be provided. In this STOP fracture study we are asking those women over 65 years admitted to hospital who need a frontal chest x-ray to consent to one additional painless sideways x-ray of the spine, done at the same time. If this is normal there is no action needed. If a small fracture is found, the local doctor will get a letter highlighting the problem and suggesting a follow up to prevent further, more serious fractures. This may involve blood tests, a bone strength scan and potentially medication for prevention. The aim is to detect early fractures to allow prevention of more serious events in future.

Eligibility criteria

Women hospitalized to Monash Medical Centre or Dandenong Hospitals over the age of 65yrs.

Support

Prof. Teede is supported by an NH&MRC CDA Fellowship, the study is supported by an unrestricted investigator initiated grant from Sanofi- Aventis Australia.

Content updated September 20, 2005