OREF Highlights

Since 1996 OREF has funded 15 Prospective Clinical Research Grants totaling $2,019,208. Topics have included:

  • Aseptic loosening of prostheses in joint replacement patients
  • New approaches to diagnosing prosthetic infections
  • Analysis of function and quality of life after surgical repair of torn rotator cuff tendons
  • Surgical management of hip fractures in the elderly
  • Immediate versus delayed closure in Grade 11 and Grade IIIA tibia fractures
    • Although much of the research that OREF has funded through the years might be labeled "basic science," a significant portion of our funds goes to practical or clinical work. The Prospective Clinical Research Grant, for example, recognizes outstanding clinical research related to musculoskeletal disease or injury. These grants provide up to $50,000 per year for three years.

    RETURN TO OREF HIGHLIGHTS

    "Although total hip replacement is one alternative that can help reduce joint pain in arthritis patients, nearly 20% of these patients develop aseptic loosening within 10 years. Other than revision surgery, there is no cure, so clinicians are actively looking for a safe and affordable drug toprevent and treat this inflammatory disease.

    With my OREF Prospective Clinical Research Grant, I am studying Erythromycin, an antibiotic drug that's been in use for nearly 50 years. This clinical study will determine if Erythromycin can be used to treat patients with aseptic loosening, especially at the early stages of disease progression. If successful, the potential use of Erythromycin for treating aseptic loosening is promising because of its clinical safety, efficacy, simplicity, and projected good compliance."

    Weiping Ren, M.D.
    2004 Prospective Clinical Research Grant Recipient