New device to help heal broken bones in older adults
Official title: Innovative medical device to treat nonunion fracture for older adults
Funded at Wnt Scientific, LLC · NIH-10766444 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new medical device designed to help older adults, especially those over 65, heal broken bones that aren't healing properly, by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation to support better recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wnt Scientific, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $299,428 |
| NIH project number | 1R41AG080953-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10766444 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 65 and above who are experiencing nonunion fractures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with fractures that are healing normally or those under the age of 65 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an innovative medical device aimed at treating nonunion fractures in older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above. It addresses the challenges of bone healing in the elderly, who often experience complications due to chronic inflammation and reduced blood supply. The approach involves enhancing angiogenesis, which is crucial for delivering necessary nutrients and cells to the fracture site. By restoring blood flow and addressing inflammation, the device aims to improve healing outcomes for patients with delayed or non-healing fractures.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the healing process for older adults suffering from difficult-to-treat bone fractures.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in enhancing bone healing through angiogenesis, indicating that this approach may lead to successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Wnt Scientific, LLC
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Mo — Wnt Scientific, LLC
- Study coordinator: Chen, Mo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Adenosine-based help to speed up bone fracture healing in older adults
A biomaterial-based approach delivers adenosine locally to fractures to speed healing in aging bones.
-
Role of Schwann Cell Precursors in Fracture Healing
This NIH grant explores how a specific nerve-support cell type called Schwann cell precursors may influence bone healing and pain after fractures, using mouse models to map how these cells behave during healing.
-
Longitudinal imaging to predict bone fracture healing using light-based tech
Aims to use safe light-based imaging over time to see how healing bones in people with fractures progress and whether early signals predict problems.
-
Rejuvenating B cells to help older people heal broken bones
Aims to boost aged B cells to improve how bone heals after fractures in older patients.
-
Intermittent Fasting to Boost Fracture Healing in Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
A study tests whether intermittent fasting can improve bone healing in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes by changing the gut microbiome.
-
Next-Generation MRI to Predict Bone Healing Using Virtual Testing
A new MRI-based method uses advanced imaging and computer models to predict how well broken bones are healing, starting with shinbone (tibial) fractures.
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.