Aberdeen scientists awarded grant by arthritis charity for research into osteoporosis
Scientists in Aberdeen have been awarded a grant of £33,000 by leading medical research charity the Arthritis Research Campaign for their work on the bone-thinning disease, osteoporosis.
Researchers in the orthopaedics, biomedical physics and rheumatology departments of the University of Aberdeen are joining forces to develop a new computer-based classification system to measure the make-up of bone.
Dr Richard Aspden, MRC Senior Fellow, who will lead the 18 month research project, said that the new system would provide a means of monitoring the progression of bone changes and their response to treatment, and also as a way of assessing the risk of fracture in patients with osteoporosis.
"The hip derives its strength from a combination of the quantity, quality and organisation of the bone in the femur," explained Dr Aspden. "By looking at x-rays of the hip, we can see clear differences in bone from different patients. We are trying to develop ways in which a computer similarly can measure the structure of the bone and distinguish the effects of different diseases.
"This can then be used to monitor the progression of bony changes, and the possible effects of drug treatments."
Aberdeen, along with Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dundee, is one of the leading centres of ARC funded research in Scotland. There are currently 17 projects ongoing in the city, totalling nearly £2m. The ARC is the fifth biggest medical research charity in the UK.
