More than 80 percent of hip fracture patients don’t fully recover with traditional rehabilitation methods. That’s why University researchers are trying a new approach that entails combining extended exercise therapy with daily use of a topical testosterone gel.
Individuals over 65 who’ve had surgery to treat a hip fracture in the past four months may be eligible to participate.
As covered by Medicare and most third-party insurance plans, hip fracture rehabilitation typically involves up to 16 weeks of therapy conducted in the home.
But a team led by Ellen F. Binder, M.D., assistant professor of medicine in the Division of Geriatrics and Nutritional Sciences, recently published a study that showed extending supervised outpatient rehabilitation by six months helps elderly patients recover more fully from hip fractures.
“Hip fractures are very prevalent in the elderly, and research shows that most patients have significant difficulty performing daily activities even after standard therapy,” Binder said. “Our goal is to help elderly hip fracture patients live independently in their own homes for as long as possible, which is usually an important component of their quality of life.”
Binder’s team is taking their approach one step further by combining the additional six months of exercise therapy with six months of daily testosterone gel treatment. Researchers believe testosterone’s contribution to muscle mass and strength may enhance recovery from hip fractures.
Participants who qualify will be randomly assigned to receive either a topical testosterone gel or an inactive, placebo gel. The dosage of testosterone will differ between male and female participants.
In addition, female participants will be prescribed a six-month, home-based exercise program, supplemented by a monthly exercise session at the School of Medicine.
Male participants will be asked to attend a supervised exercise-training program at the Medical Campus three times a week for six months.
All study-related evaluations and medications are free.
For more information, call 286-2716.