Understanding bone strength in men
Measuring Whole and Tissue Level Bone Strength in men
This project uses a handheld device called the OsteoProbe to measure bone quality at the shin to help predict fracture risk in men.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Active Life Scientific, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Barbara, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196738 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers use a quick, safe microindentation test on the mid‑shin (tibia) to get a bone material strength index (BMSi). They will compare those tibia measurements with mechanical strength tests on male cadaver hip, wrist, and spine bones to see how well the shin measurement predicts strength at common fracture sites. The device has been used safely in thousands of people and the team builds on earlier clinical and Phase II work. The goal is to link the simple clinic measurement to real whole‑bone strength at the places fractures usually happen.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adult men worried about fracture risk—especially older men or those with prior fractures whose bone density tests look normal.
Not a fit: This work is focused on men and may not directly benefit women, children, or people whose fracture risk is already clearly defined by very low bone density.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help identify men at high fracture risk that standard bone density scans miss, enabling earlier prevention or treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous published studies and a Phase II study have shown a relationship between tibial BMSi and fracture risk, though confirming links to hip, wrist, and spine strength on male cadavers is a next step.
Where this research is happening
Santa Barbara, United States
- Active Life Scientific, INC. — Santa Barbara, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burks, Peter — Active Life Scientific, INC.
- Study coordinator: Burks, Peter
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 below.