It has been estimated that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men will sustain a hip fracture in their lifetime. Fractures of the hip seriously affect the lives of those affected and are unfortunately associated with an increased risk of death. Several risk factors have been identified related to hip fractures but little is known about genetic factors that specifically affect the risk of fractures of the hip.
This study aims to use machine learning and big data approaches to identify new factors, particularly genetic factors, that can influence the risk of hip fracture within the general population. The project is expected to take 36 months.
The hope is that if genetic and other factors are discovered, new preventative treatments for those at risk of hip fracture can be implemented to reduce the risk of this dangerous condition.