Assessment of Low Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound for Lower Limb Stress Fractures in an Athletic or Sporting Population

Volunteer / Participant Information

STEP 1 - Make Contact


Fill in the contact form on the left. You will be contacted by a member of the Research Team within 24-48 hours on submission of this form and asked to confirm the following information:
  • You live in Sydney
  • You have been diagnosed with a stress fracture either by a scan or a health professional
  • You suspect you have a stress fracture

STEP 2 - Initial MRI scan


You will be emailed a referral form for Ultrascan Radiology, Westmead. All MRIs must be performed at this location. When you make an appointment please make it known to the reception staff that you are part of the ALLSTAR study. Please note:
  • You will be billed $150 for this scan
  • Please keep the receipt as you will be reimbursed the full amount if you are deemed eligible for the ALLSTAR study.

STEP 3 - Preparation


Once you have had your MRI scan, you will be contacted by a member of the Research Team to confirm your eligibility for the study. Before your first meeting please:
  • Read the Details section of the study website
  • Download, print and read through the consent form
  • Write down a list of questions (if any) to ask the research team

STEP 4 - First meeting


The first meeting with the research team will take place at the NSW Institute of Sport at Sydney Olympic Park in Homebush Bay (NSWIS). At your first meeting, the following will occur:
  • Signing of consent form - please download, print and read through this form before the meeting and bring it along with you. Ask any questions if necessary.
  • Review of MRI scan
  • Run through usage of Ultrasound machine
  • Fitting of walker boot (if required - depending on type of stress fracture)

STEP 5 - Ultrasound treatment


Use Ultrasound Machine at home EVERY DAY for 20 minutes for a total of 4 weeks

STEP 6 - Regular follow up


After 4 weeks, you will again be contacted by a member of the Research Team to arrange regular fortnightly reviews until the 3 month mark. These may take place at NSWIS or at a negotiated alternative meeting point.

STEP 7 - 2nd MRI scan


At 3 months, a second MRI scan will be performed at Ultrascan Radiology, Westmead. You will automatically be contacted and given a referral form. No payment is required for this scan.