Research

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The Service maintains it’s status as a leader in musculoskeletal research. In orthopaedics, this is largely because of the very close integration of the activities of the University of Adelaide Discipline of Orthopaedics and Trauma, and the commitment of consultant orthopaedic surgeons to support research. Clinical and basic research in the Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma includes joint replacement, spinal disorders, trauma, hand and upper limb surgery, bone cell biology and cancer, and a number of other interests. Numerous grants have been obtained and the quality or research is reflected in publications. In addition to this, a number of staff received awards during the year for their research.

The Rheumatology Unit has a very active and internationally recognized research program and has received numerous grants for its research into the causes and prevention of arthritic conditions and has a special interest in osteopenic fractures. In conjunction with the Department of Orthopaedics and Trauma and Department of Geriatric and Rehabilitation Medicine, the Unit has strongly supported the position of an Ortho-geriatric Registrar, a position which aims to address the complex needs of the elderly patients with fragility fractures. This Service has been pro-active in establishing early appropriate treatment and actively sought to raise the profile of effective  preventative strategies in this "at risk" population.  The South Australian Hip Protector Project has continued to expand. The project seeks to lessen the incidence of fractured neck of femur in the elderly within the community. The unit is also addressing the issue of Vitamin D deficiency which is common among the elderly and endemic amongst aged care residents and an important risk for hip fracture.