NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how sensory nerve disruption affects bone mass in the tibia

Official title: The Impact of Disrupting Sensory Innervation on Tibial Bone Mass

Funded at University of New England · NIH-10895590 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how nerves in your leg affect bone health, especially in the shin bone, to see if problems with these nerves can lead to weaker bones and more fractures, which could help find better ways to prevent and treat tibial fractures for patients like you.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of New England
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Biddeford, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2023
Project endJuly 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$177,500
NIH project number5R16GM150784-02
Project IDNIH-10895590 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for osteoporosis or those with a history of tibial fractures.

Less likely to help

Patients with healthy bone density and no history of fractures are unlikely to benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of sensory nerves in maintaining bone health, specifically focusing on the tibia. It aims to understand how disrupting these nerves impacts bone mineral density and the risk of fractures. By studying the saphenous nerve and its communication with bone cells, the research seeks to identify factors that contribute to low bone density and increased fracture risk. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for tibial fractures.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing tibial fractures in individuals with low bone mineral density.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the relationship between sensory nerves and bone health, indicating that this approach has potential for significant findings.

Where this research is happening

  • University of New England
    Biddeford, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Becker, Kathleen a — University of New England
  • Study coordinator: Becker, Kathleen a

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.