The CHHM mandate is to focus on the hip joint and to enhance mobility for all Canadians across the lifespan. Knowledge gained from research at the hip can be applied to other bones and joints that present similar clinical problems. The CHHM synthesizes its wide range of research areas into 4 key foci - Prevention – Detection – Treatment – Translation across 3 themes. These themes are: Fracture Prevention, Arthritis, Surgical Solutions and the overarching theme – Knowledge Translation. Training is an allied function of all themes.

Fracture Prevention
Ninety-five percent of hip fractures result from a fall; osteoporosis (brittle bones) also contributes to the risk of fracture. CHHM researchers are pioneering falls prevention strategies for vulnerable seniors and focusing on ways to improve bone strength across the lifespan. The CHHM is among the first research centres in the world to use this double-barrelled approach to hip fracture prevention – falls prevention and enhanced bone strength. This approach capitalizes on CHHM collaborations between biologists, imaging scientists, physiotherapists, biomechanists, kinesiologists, bioengineers and clinician-scientists.
Co-Theme Leaders: Dr. Karim Khan, Dr. Pierre Guy

Arthritis
The key success to minimize the impact of hip osteoarthritis (OA) will be to detect OA risk factors early. CHHM is one of few centres in the world to combine genetic, biochemical, and imaging methods to identify patients at-risk for hip OA. The goal is to reduce the impact of OA by identifying modifiable risk factors that can be targeted through effective intervention. Research programs the CHHM is conducting aim to detect OA earlier than was previously possible.
Co-Theme Leaders: Dr. David Wilson, Dr. Jacek Kopec

Surgical Solutions
There are currently a substantial number of joint replacements performed in B.C. and other jurisdictions, and the prevalence of these surgeries is predicted to increase by 100% by 2035. Thus, it is vital to continue to improve surgical techniques and develop new implants, to decrease the risk of infection to enhance mobility of patients, to maximize patients’ quality of life and, ultimately, minimize overall health care costs.
Co-Theme Leaders: Dr. Rizhi Wang, Dr. Don Garbuz

Knowledge Translation
Knowledge translation – transforming research into better health for Canadians – is an overarching theme that underpins all CHHM research. Knowledge translation refers to a process that ensures communication, uptake and utilization of research findings to improve the health of humans in the immediate future (within 5 years). CHHM is committed to ensuring that new knowledge is translated into useful information for policy-makers, health professionals, patients, people at risk, and the community at large. For decision-makers, this includes various types of evaluation data, developing clinical guidelines, simulation modeling of disease trajectories and related costs. UBC Assistant Professor Linda Li (physiotherapist and Mary Pack Chair in Arthritis Research) studies the process of knowledge translation to better understand the barriers and facilitators to the uptake and utilization of new knowledge.