Studies on ACL to receive a share of $44m in research funding

Young people who develop knee arthritis following an ACL injury have been given a glimmer of hope.

Woman working on a laptop and having headache and back, hip, spine pain.

Melbourne research into the phenomenon of “old knees” in young people — will be just one the beneficiaries of millions of dollars in new medical research funding.

The $44m federal government investment, via the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), will also help pay for research into low back pain among elite athletes.

The money will support postgraduate scholarships, international collaboration and research infrastructure and equipment.

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in young and active people, but experts are concerned that the development of knee arthritis following an ACL injury and surgery can lead to a young patients having an “old knee”.

Dr Lachlan Batty, who has been granted more than $100,000 to investigate post-traumatic osteoarthritis, warns that it is a major cause of disability and is very challenging to treat.

“Old knees” is a major cause of disability and is very challenging to treat.

The La Trobe University research will aim to identify patients at risk of premature arthritis, preventions and treatments for young patients.

Another study at the university will investigate why athletes, despite being in peak physical condition, experience low back pain at a higher rate than other people.

The project is expected to follow 300 elite athletes for a year in order to identify the risk factors for back pain, as well as the cost of the pain and training time lost.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the two recipients were among 65 graduates awarded a share of more than $7.2m in postgraduate scholarships, which will enable them to pursue their ideas and tackle the health challenges facing society.

“This announcement is also an investment in the next generation of Australian medical research leaders,” Mr Hunt said.

More than $5m will also strengthen Australia’s participation in international research efforts and promote global health objectives.

“Sharing scientific knowledge enables Australian researchers to develop best practices and build international research networks that will accelerate discoveries and their translation into better health outcomes,” Mr Hunt said.

NHMRC chief executive, Professor Anne Kelso, said a strong health and medical research system relied on scientists, clinicians and others working together to share knowledge and accelerate discoveries and their translation into better health.

More than $25m in funding for research infrastructure will be shared across 21 independent medical research institutes, while $5.7m in grants will help researchers buy equipment to support high quality health and medical research.