Investigating ways to prevent joint stiffness after injuries
Official title: Preclinical evaluation of physical and biological interventions to reduce post- traumatic joint contracture
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10979895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to help people recover better from elbow injuries by preventing stiffness and improving movement, using tests on animals to find the best treatments and understand how inflammation affects healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $468,769 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR083378-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979895 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced joint injuries, particularly to the elbow, and are at risk of developing stiffness or loss of motion.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic joint conditions unrelated to recent injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding and preventing post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC), a condition that leads to significant loss of motion after joint injuries, particularly in the elbow. Using a preclinical animal model, the study aims to explore both physical and biological interventions that can effectively limit the development of PTJC. The researchers will analyze various treatment parameters, such as timing and intensity of therapy, and how they can be optimized to improve joint mobility after injury. Additionally, the study will investigate the role of inflammation in healing and how targeting specific immune responses may enhance recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies that enhance joint mobility and recovery for patients suffering from joint injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using similar approaches to improve joint recovery, but this specific investigation into PTJC is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lake, Spencer Park — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lake, Spencer Park
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.