Analyzing bone damage in patients with osteoporosis and fragility fractures

Image-guided Computational and Experimental Analyses of Fractured Patient's Bone (GAP)

Politecnico di Milano · NCT04787679

This study is testing how tiny changes in bones affect fracture risk in people with osteoporosis and fragility fractures who are having hip replacement surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment52 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPolitecnico di Milano (other)
Locations1 site (Miano, Milano)
Trial IDNCT04787679 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the mechanisms of bone damage at the microscale in patients suffering from osteoporosis and fragility fractures. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques and computational models, the study seeks to understand how microstructural features of bone contribute to fracture risk. The research will involve patients undergoing primary hip replacement surgery, with a focus on validating computational models through experimental tests on human bones. The ultimate goal is to develop new fracture indices that can aid in early diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who are scheduled for primary hip replacement surgery and have undergone a routine preoperative CT scan.

Not a fit: Patients with non-osteoporotic bone diseases or those who have had previous hip replacements may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic tools and treatment strategies for patients with osteoporosis, potentially reducing fracture risk.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies exploring bone damage mechanisms, this approach combining microscale imaging with computational modeling is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in human bones.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: \>=18 years
* primary hip replacement
* Signature of informed consent
* Patients who have a routine preoperative CT scan

Exclusion criteria:

* Patients unrelated to the inclusion criteria of this study
* Bone disease (non-osteoporotic) such as to invalidate sample analysis, including but not limited to genetic disorders and bone tumors
* Patients with contralateral hip replacement and/or other synthetic means in the contralateral hip
* Patients with synthesis devices in the hip of interest

Where this trial is running

Miano, Milano

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Osteoporosis, Fragility Fracture, lacunae, damage models, micro-cracks, synchrotron, numerical models

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.