Study Consortium

The OFR study combines efforts of three research groups of the universities of Oulu, Jyväskylä, and Kuopio to develop new tools for screening and diagnosing of the subjects with increased risk of fracture. The project has a shared steering group that is comprised of the members of universities, companies and Technology Agency of Finland (Tekes).

The OFR study has been divided into sub-projects, where practical operations are coordinated by local steering groups comprised of the members of university and of its partners.

Descriptions of the sub-projects

OFR JYVÄSKYLÄ

The main objective of this study is to develop and test a prototype novel ultrasonic guided wave device for assessing human cortical bone sites such as the tibia and radius. This technique is capable of yielding independent information about both cortical thickness and bone material properties, and is sensitive to the early endosteal bone changes seen in osteoporosis. We also will evaulate the effect of therapy using the Physioacoustic Sound Wave Therapy System in osteoporotic patients. In this way we can combine diagnostic with therapeutic methods for osteoporosis in a single project, and make best use of the research groups expertise in the field of acoustic wave propagation and bone. Specifically, we will focus on the following topics: To develop improved theoretical and numerical models for excitation, propagation and detection of guided waves in bone. To optimize the size and shape of the transducer. To improve the prototype device to the point where it can be transferred to a company for further product development. To optimize the measurement and analysis software and make it more user-friendly. To evaluate the effect of therapy using the Physioacoustic Sound Wave Therapy System in osteoporotic patients.

OFR KUOPIO

The OFR study combines efforts of three research groups (universities of Oulu, Jyväskylä, and Kuopio) to develop new tools for screening and diagnosing of the subjects with increased risk of fracture. Specifically, 1) Kuopio and Oulu will share their clinical databases for validating the risk assessment tools. The information on risk factors and occurred fractures, collected since 1989 in Kuopio, will be utilized and emerged with the Oulu data to test and further develop the risk assessment software. Further, 2) we develop, validate and apply our US based methodology for the sensitive in vivo bone diagnostics. Kuopio and Jyväskylä will share their expertise in ultrasound technology. Several Finnish companies will contribute to project, as well as commercially exploit the potential project outcome. Importantly, the OFR project will enhance the national and international cooperation both in the scientific and industrial areas related to diagnostic health technology.

OFR OULU

Osteoporotic fractures have increased during the last decades. The treatment of hip fractures is very expensive and high mortality rate is related to them, causing consequently considerable economic and social costs. Presently, osteoporosis is under-diagnosed. Thus, there is a clear need for more specific and sensitive risk assessment tools by which the risk patients can be identified.

The general aim of the study is to develop new methods for the assessment of individual risk of hip fracture. Computer-based image analysis system will be developed, where bone structural analysis of cortical and trabecular bone is made from conventional radiographs. A model for the individual fracture risk prediction is developed, where bone density measurements, lifestyle factors, and the bone structural analysis are combined. A wide population-based cohort material will be utilized in the construction and validation of fracture risk model. The final aim is to develop fracture risk model by which the risk patients can be identified and preventive operations can be focused on the individuals with the highest risk for the fracture.