Our work
See below for a summary of our current research projects and initiatives. Selected resources and documents from our research programme are also available on our Open Science Framework page.
HRC Programme grant 2022–2027
Reducing the burden of osteoarthritis in Aotearoa New Zealand
Osteoarthritis is among the most common long-term conditions in New Zealand. The burden of pain, disability and economic costs is rising – especially for Māori. Access to treatments is poor. Joint replacement surgery is highly cost-effective, but demand – already straining capacity – is growing rapidly. Cost-effective interventions for early- and mid-stage osteoarthritis are known to have good outcomes and are potentially cost-saving compared to current practice, but are not being delivered. Multimorbidity is common. Coping with future demand will require optimising resource allocation; we must consider preventive measures and coordinated delivery of accessible, equitable, effective and cost-effective interventions. This programme of research of four linked multi-disciplinary projects will look at ways to deliver the best value for money and equity in managing osteoarthritis in the New Zealand public healthcare system, from prevention through to joint replacement surgery.
For more information on this research programme and the projects underway, please see here.
HRC Project grant 2022–2026
Information to be added.
Other orthopaedic research projects
Surgical and non-surgical treatments for osteoarthritis
This project investigates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of total joint replacement surgery compared to non-surgical care, for patients with late-stage hip or knee osteoarthritis considered for surgery at Dunedin Hospital.
Patient reported and clinical outcomes following surgery for proximal humerus fractures
This project aims to explore patients’ experiences of shoulder function relating to activities of daily living and pain following surgery for a broken upper arm.
clinical audit of patients listed for total hip replacement to ascertain presence of developmental dysplasia of the hip
This project will determine the level of misshaped hip problems in the patients requiring a total hip replacement and describe the demographic characteristics of this group.
Osteoarthritis Aotearoa Research Network
CMOR hosts the Te Anga Kaikōiwi o Aotearoa | Osteoarthritis Aotearoa Research Network (OARnet), a national, interdisciplinary network of researchers across Aotearoa. This initiative is supported by Research Network funding from the University of Otago.
For more information on OARnet’s aims and activities, click here.