Arthritis Research Canada scientific experts have been at the forefront of hip osteoarthritis (OA) research since the launch of IMPAKT-HiP (Investigations in Mobility, Physical Activity, and Knowledge in Hip Pain) – a $2.5 million project funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
Our scientists are studying the causes of hip pain, particularly femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and looking for strategies to slow or prevent the progression of hip OA. One of the goals of the IMPAKT-HiP research is to determine whether people with FAI, compared to those without, are at greater risk of developing hip OA. Additionally, researchers are interested in evaluating whether certain physical activities, alone or in combination with FAI, may lead to the early onset of hip OA. This research is important as it may unlock the potential to identify people at risk for developing hip OA early and before the hip is damaged.
Research Study Summaries:
IMPAKT-HiP: A ground-breaking research to prevent hip osteoarthritis.
Phase 1 – The Prevalence Project
Phase 2 – The Case-Control Project
Phase 3 – The Natural History Project
Phase 4 – The OPEN MRI Project
Population-Based Longitudinal Cohort Study of Femoroacetabular Impingement of the Hip Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging Outcomes – Hip Osteoarthritis Progression Evaluation (HOPE) Study
Research Team Members
Dr. Jacek Kopec, MD, MSc, PhD
Senior Scientist, Epidemiology, Arthritis Research Canada
Dr. Jacek Kopec, MD, MSc, PhD, is a professor in the School of Population and Public Health at the University of British Columbia (UBC). He is also a Senior Scientist at Arthritis Research Canada and is affiliated with the UBC Department of Medicine, the Centre for Hip Health and Mobility, the Institute for Work and Health in Toronto, and the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project in the USA.
Dr. Chuck Ratzlaff, PhD, PT, FCAMT
Clinical Epidemiologist, Orthopaedic Physical Therapist
Dr. Chuck Ratzlaff, PhD, PT, FCAMT, is a clinical epidemiologist and fellowship-trained (Orthopaedics) Physical Therapist. Dr. Ratzlaff was a trainee at Arthritis Research Canada. His research has focused on identifying and validating early imaging biomarkers and phenotypes in hip and knee OA, and in developing primary and secondary prevention strategies. He is sub-specialized clinically in the evaluation, treatment, of recalcitrant hip, knee and back pain in world-class athletes from professional/national teams and the general population.
Dr. Jolanda Cibere, MD, PhD, FRCPC
Senior Scientist, Rheumatology, Arthritis Research Canada
Dr. Jolanda Cibere, MD, PhD, FRCPC, is a rheumatologist specializing in the research of osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that is affecting an increasing number of Canadians. After completing her medical and internal medicine training at the University of Saskatchewan, Dr. Cibere completed her clinical rheumatology training at the University of British Columbia. She also trained in the University of British Columbia ‘s Department of Health Care and Epidemiology, completed a doctoral program focusing on osteoarthritis, and was awarded an MRC (now CIHR) Clinician Scientist Fellowship award for her studies.
