CANTRAIN & Michael Smith Health Research BC Internship/Practicum for Clinical Research Professionals Program 2023-24

Fragility fractures of the pelvis are a very common injury in the elderly and are increasing in incidence with an aging population. These injuries are associated with high healthcare costs as well as poor patient outcomes, including decline in function and decreased independence. Historically, older adults with fragility fractures of the pelvis received nonoperative treatment with supportive care because operative management was deemed too invasive for this patient population. However, the development of percutaneous and less invasive surgical techniques has led to an increased frequency of operative stabilization of pelvis fractures in older adults. It is unclear if the increasing use of surgical fixation is improving outcomes for patients with pelvic fragility fractures. A definitive trial is urgently needed to help guide treatment decision making in this injury population. 

Dr Sepehri is an orthopaedic trauma surgeon at Vancouver General Hospital who has experience and expertise in conducting research that focuses on challenging acute fractures of the extremities and pelvic ring. Dr Sepehri received funding from the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) to lead a feasibility study to support and inform the design of a definitive Randomized Controlled Trial evaluating operative treatment of fragility fractures of the pelvic ring. This study is an international collaboration with sites in Canada, USA and Spain. Supported by the CANadian Consortium of Clinical Trial TRAINing Platform (CANTRAIN)-Clinical Trials Training Programs, funded by Michael Smith Health Research BC, Dr Sepehri will receive mentorship from Dr Sheila Sprague, Research Director and Associate Professor within the Department of Surgery at McMaster University. Dr Sprague has expertise in the design and conduct of large RCTs with an established track record for mentoring early career surgeon scientists.