University Hospital Southampton

SDE_WXS_PROJ_131

The Southampton DXA and Bone Health Study (SUNDAE) is a prospective project designed to establish a large-scale bone health real-world dataset derived from patients attending dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning services at University Hospital Southampton (UHS). Modelled on the internationally recognised Manitoba Bone Mineral Density Cohort [a population-based database tracking bone density tests and long-term health outcomes], SUNDAE will integrate DXA findings, fracture risk assessment, patient reported outcomes, musculoskeletal function [movement] measures, and linked electronic health record (EHR) data to create a comprehensive longitudinal research resource embedded within routine NHS care. The project aims to improve understanding of osteoporosis and fracture risk across diverse patient populations, with a particular focus on multimorbidity, socioeconomic deprivation, ethnicity, and health inequalities. A further objective is the digitalisation of fracture risk factor collection, quality of life assessments, and musculoskeletal function questionnaires currently used clinically within rheumatology-led bone health and fracture liaison services. Initial analyses will focus on the burden and clustering of long-term comorbidities in patients with osteoporosis and low bone mineral density (BMD), alongside their relationship with fracture outcomes, musculoskeletal function, and quality of life.

SUNDAE will create one of the largest UK datasets for studying bone health over time, providing an important new resource for bone and joint research as part of routine NHS care. The dataset will help researchers better understand osteoporosis, particularly in people with several health conditions, older people, different ethnic groups, and those living in more deprived areas. This will support fairer and more effective ways to prevent fractures and manage bone health. Using digital assessment tools as part of routine bone density (DXA) scans will make it easier for rheumatology and fracture services to collect information in a consistent way, while reducing the need for staff to record the same information more than once. By linking this information with patients’ healthcare records over time, researchers will be able to study fracture outcomes, how conditions develop, use of healthcare services, and how people’s other health conditions change over time. In the longer term, SUNDAE will provide a platform that can be expanded to support collaboration between NHS centres. Initial collaborations are already being developed with hospitals in Manchester and Sheffield. It could also support future national studies looking at how to better predict an individual’s risk of fracture and provide more targeted treatments for bone and joint conditions.

29/09/2026

TRE