New methods to detect stress fractures in the leg early.
Official title: Emerging Technologies for Early Detection of Distal Leg Stress Fracture.
Funded at Boise State University · NIH-11064812 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking to help athletes and military personnel catch leg stress fractures early by figuring out how much pressure their bones take during different activities, and it also wants to use special ultrasound technology to spot tiny damage in bones so that injuries can be prevented before they get serious.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boise State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boise, United States) |
| Project start | April 6, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,227 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM148321-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064812 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include athletes and armed forces personnel who are at risk of developing stress fractures due to high levels of physical activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not physically active or do not engage in high-impact sports may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the early detection of distal leg stress fractures, which are common injuries among athletes and military personnel. By analyzing tibial loading during various physical activities, the researchers aim to develop a statistical model that can predict the risk of stress fractures before they occur. The project will also explore the use of automated ultrasound technology to identify microdamage in bones, allowing for timely intervention and prevention of serious injuries. This approach seeks to enhance the ability of healthcare providers to diagnose and manage stress fractures effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and prevention of stress fractures, reducing the risk of severe injuries and improving recovery outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomechanical analysis and imaging technologies for early detection of musculoskeletal injuries, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Boise State University
Boise, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Tyler — Boise State University
- Study coordinator: Brown, Tyler
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.