In our Osteoporosis Program, pioneering research is a distinguishing feature. We’re forging connections between osteoporosis and conditions like breast cancer, prostate cancer, cardiovascular health, and cerebrovascular health, exploring strategies to mitigate their effects on bone health. Our research cohort has been instrumental in shaping guidelines and policies for osteoporosis care across Canada and North America. We extend our sincere appreciation to all our volunteer participants whose contributions are vital in conducting pivotal research aimed at alleviating the burden of bone loss and fractures associated with osteoporosis.
We are presently seeking volunteers to join the research investigations listed here. If you’re interested in taking part or require further details, please reach out to the designated study coordinator.
Current Studies
The Bone perfusion and knee pain study
This study will examine how fluid flow properties in the bones of the knee may be related to knee pain by using MRI and asking a series of questions regarding knee symptoms.
Inclusion & exclusion criteria
- MEN & WOMEN 40 – 85 years old
- Experience mild to severe knee pain
- Severe: at least 3 days a week for at least 3 months
- Mild: occasional knee pain
- No rheumatoid arthritis
- No joint replacements in both knees
Procedures
- In-person questionnaires regarding knee and overall health
- MRI of knee + contrast dye in one scan & blood draw in the same IV
- Peripheral CT and X-ray scan of the knee
- Bone density test of hip and spine
- Physical function testing – walking, getting up from a chair, stairs
- 2.5 to 3-hour commitment (You will be compensated for your time)
Contact
Andy Wong, 416-340-4800 x7922. or *email: andy.wong@uhnresearch.ca
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osteoconnections.com 
I am trying to find the research outcomes regarding the use of TNT (Nitro Glycerine) carried out by Toronto University in 2014/15 and undertaken by Dr Jamal. Do you have any pointers on this please at your Osteoporosis clinic? I received an email from their research assistant in Jan 2015 but the findings were never received.
‘We looked at 5 different formulations of Nitroglycerin (the ointment used in the previous study, a nitroglycerin patch, a pill-ISMO, and 2 different doses of sublingual tablets – 0.3 and 0.6). We want to see the effect of those formulations on bone formation and resorption, and also see the headaches and patient preference for a certain formulation. The formulation that has the best effect on the bone (and hopefully comes with less headaches and is mostly preferred by the patents) will be used in a larger study to prove that Nitroglycerin in preventing fractures in patients diagnosed with osteoporosis (and hopefully osteopenia). If you are interested, I will send you the results of the study as soon as they become available (end of December 2014 or beginning of January 2015).
Dear G. Steadman,
Thank you for your inquiry and apologies for our delayed response. The results were retracted for the particular study you are referring to, please see link below for more details.
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2479463
Regards,
Osteoporosis Team @ UHN
I male, i am conceren to risearch to therapy osteoporosis
Hello Ahmad and thanks for your interest in our studies. We do have a study where we are following men who are about to start Forteo (teriparatide). This is a 4 year study, 2 years while participants are taking Forteo and 2 years of post-therapy observation. We do not supply any study drug, but just see participants every 6 months for extra tests, extra doctor visits, etc.
If you are about to start Forteo and would like to join our study, you can contact our research associate Judy at 416-340-4841
Have there been any studies done on managing bone density loss while on warfarin? I have currently been diagnosed with osteoporosis at age 60. I have been on warfarin treatment for almost 30 years for a prosthetic mitral valve (St. Jude.) I only recently found out about the interference of warfarin with vitamin K2 and its effect on bone density. Apparently this issue has been known for some time, yet I have never been told about it by my general practitioner or my cardiologist (Dr. Sara Thorne at TGH.) I would appreciate any information on this subject that you can give me; as well as information on osteoporosis treatments beneficial for people on warfarin or interactions thereof.
I am due for a telephone consultation with my general practitioner on December 22, 2022 and would like to share what I can find out with her to move forward with my bone health.
Thank you.
Natalie Knupp-Croucher
Thanks for your inquiry. Indeed, not a lot of physicians are aware of warfarin affecting bone. In the grand scheme of things, age, sex, family history and other risk factors are bigger risk factors than warfarin. Many diseases and medications can affect bone. For treatment options, it is best to chat with your own physician. If you would like a second opinion, we would be happy to see you at UHN Osteoporosis Clinic. Referrals can be faxed to (416)-340-3750.