Understanding how different factors contribute to bone strength decline and hip fractures in older adults
Official title: Heterogeneous pathways to bone strength decline and hip fracture
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11074130 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bone strength changes as we age and what factors might help predict the risk of hip fractures in older adults, so we can better understand and prevent these injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $574,189 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR082325-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11074130 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults, particularly those experiencing age-related bone strength decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger or have no risk factors for bone strength decline may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the various pathways that lead to a decline in bone strength and an increased risk of hip fractures in older men and women. It aims to identify specific skeletal trait patterns that can predict fracture risk, independent of traditional measures like areal bone mineral density (aBMD). By examining how different individuals experience changes in bone mineral content and bone area, the study seeks to improve fracture risk predictions. The research will involve analyzing data from cadaveric studies to understand the relationship between external bone size and strength decline.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate predictions of fracture risk, allowing for better prevention strategies in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding population heterogeneity can improve fracture risk predictions, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jepsen, Karl J — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Jepsen, Karl J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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MAC-STILA: Safer, gentler anesthesia for hip fracture in older adults
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HIP ATTACK-2: Faster surgery for hip fracture patients with heart injury
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Hip fracture risk in people with chronic kidney disease
A study focused on why hip fractures happen and how to prevent them in people with chronic kidney disease.
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How bones weaken in different ways that lead to hip fractures
This project looks at how differences in bone size, mineral content, and bone area relate to hip fracture risk in older men and women.
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Monitored sedation with local anesthetic injections for older adults with hip fracture
This project compares monitored sedation plus local anesthesia injections to standard general anesthesia for older adults having hip fracture surgery to reduce postoperative delirium.
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Developing a new treatment to improve muscle recovery after hip fractures in older adults
This study is testing a new pill called RT-002 to see if it can help older adults heal better and regain strength after a hip fracture, with the hope of making their recovery easier and improving their overall quality of life.
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.