Predicting fracture risk in patients with metastatic bone defects (NPG.6778)

The main goal of this project is to improve the prediction of fracture risk in patients with metastatic lesions in the femur. Modern computer and imaging techniques are used in order to calculate the load carrying capacity of femora of patients with metastatic bone lesions. In addition, the activity pattern of the patient is considered and the loads on the femur during these activities are calculated. By combining these two components a fracture risk can be determined that is tailored to the individual patient.

Clinically, there is a great need to enhance the fracture risk predictions. It can be expected that the proposed method improves the quality of life for many patients at their final stage of life. The method can be commercialised by incorporating it in CT software or by offering it as a separate service to radio-therapeutic centres. Once this method is clinically proven, it would be very valuable in other fields as well, for example, to predict fracture risk in osteoporotic patients.