UAB Department of Orthopaedic Surgery is now beginning to enroll in their second study in the Major Extremity Trauma and Research Consortium, sponsored by the Department of Defense Peer Reviewed Orthopaedic Research Program (DoDPRORP).

The UAB consortium site will be led by trauma faculty: Clay Spitler, M.D. (PI), Michael Johnson, M.D., and Jonathan Quade, M.D. Other department representatives include Melanese Leonard-Warren, RN, Alisha Smith, David Patch, M.D. (research fellow), and Matthew Ithurburn (physical therapist).

The studies that comprise the consortium include: “A Prospective Study of Early Mechanical Stabilization and Bleeding in Disruption of the Pelvic Ring” (EMS-BIND) and

 “Effect of Early Weight Bearing on Rehabilitation Outcomes in Patients with Traumatic Ankle and Tibial Plateau Fractures.”

Enrollment for the Early Weightbearing Study began on Sept. 8, and the team has successfully enrolled six participants to date, making UAB the highest enrolling site of all 16 active sites. The EMS-BIND study, which evaluates the role of pelvic binders in preventing mortality and the need for transfusion within the department, has received final DOD approval and will begin enrolling shortly.

“UAB Orthopaedic Surgery is a high-volume trauma practice, and we are proud to be a part of the state-of-the-art medical research that will continue to improve the care we provide our patients.” said Spitler. “Our volume as well as our relationship with the DOD will allow us to meaningfully contribute to this multicenter study, and we have a great team to execute the study.