Latest News


New Treatment

First large-scale trial of stem cell therapy for knee osteoarthritis launched.

Kolling researcher Professor David Hunter will lead one of the world’s largest clinical trials into the effectiveness of stem cell therapy for those with knee osteoarthritis. More than 400 participants will be recruited for the SCUlpTOR study which will see trial sites established at Royal North Shore Hospital and the Menzies Institute in Hobart. Professor Hunter, the Florance and Cope Chair of Rh.....
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Category: Musculoskeletal Research, New Treatment

A simple mix of treatments holds the key to better hand function.

The base of our thumb may just be a small part of our hand, but osteoarthritis in that area can have a significant impact, making the simplest tasks difficult. The condition especially affects post-menopausal women, with figures indicating up to a third of women over 70 have this type of osteoarthritis. Increasing numbers of people are experiencing the condition, and yet current treatments still l.....
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Category: Musculoskeletal Research, New Treatment

Researchers offer new approach to detect frailty in older adults.

A team of researchers led by the Kolling’s Professor Sarah Hilmer has developed a valuable resource to identify frail and vulnerable people in hospital, in an important step towards optimising their care. Frail older adults have a higher risk of experiencing adverse outcomes in hospital such as falls, confusion and malnutrition, and many have longer hospital stays. Professor Hilmer said more than 2.....
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Category: Musculoskeletal Research, New Treatment

Philanthropic funding brings new hope to those with chronic pain.

Some of the nation’s leading pain experts are set to embark on research which they believe will change the way chronic pain is managed. The program of research will be carried out by the team from the Pain Management Research Institute after generous funding from the Ernest Heine Family Foundation. Located within the Kolling Institute and Royal North Shore Hospital, the Pain Management Research Ins.....
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Category: Funding support, Neuroscience and Pain Research, New Treatment

New medication may offer long-acting relief for those with knee osteoarthritis.

A study has been launched to investigate the benefits of a new injectable medication for those with knee osteoarthritis. The condition can have a profound impact on a person’s life, leading to physical limitations, ongoing pain and joint instability. There are broader implications too which can make it difficult for those with the condition to engage in social, community and occupational activitie.....
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Category: Musculoskeletal Research, New Treatment

Researchers assess new approach to post-operative care.

With increasing evidence around the benefits of physiotherapy after surgery, a project is set to get underway examining new ways to extend the support. The BOOST project will investigate how hospitals can deliver more frequent exercise programs for patients with hip fracture, through an innovative model of care involving physiotherapists and other healthcare workers. The program will be led by the .....
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Category: New Treatment

Technology to support new approach to back pain.

If you have low back pain, you could be the perfect candidate for a new study using text messages to support those with the condition. Named TEXT4myBACK, the University of Sydney and Kolling Institute study will compare two different formats of text message interventions to help people better manage their symptoms. Professor Manuela Ferreira would like to see broad participation in the study with l.....
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Category: New Treatment

Common, easily accessible medication could reduce severe COVID-19 symptoms.

A group of blood pressure medications may hold the key to better outcomes for those with COVID-19, marking a significant breakthrough in the treatment of the virus. An exciting new study, involving researchers from across Australia and India, will investigate whether existing blood pressure medications can reduce the risk of severe disease as well as the duration of severe symptoms. Researchers fro.....
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Category: New Treatment

Home grown ideas place physio in patients' hands.

New research is testing a new way to meet the rapidly growing demand for physiotherapy in our public hospitals. A clinical trial at four hospitals, including Hornsby and Royal North Shore, is studying whether some patients can successfully undertake physiotherapy exercises at home and still experience the same benefit provided by attending a hospital clinic. “Demand for physio is increasing rapidl.....
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Category: New Treatment

Recognition for research excellence .

Congratulations to Professor David Hunter who’s received a prestigious University of Sydney Vice Chancellor’s award for outstanding research. The Kolling researcher and rheumatology clinician is regarded as the world’s leading expert in osteoarthritis. Professor Hunter’s research has had a significant and lasting impact in the field of osteoarthritis, influencing clinical practice and access to ev.....
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Category: Awards, New Treatment