We are a collaboration of orthopaedic consultants and trainees aiming to advance trauma care through high-quality clinical research.
Our mission is to foster a culture of research excellence by engaging trainees in meaningful, methodologically sound research—from pilot studies to large-scale multicentre clinical trials. We believe that collaborative research not only strengthens clinical practice but ultimately improves outcomes for the patients we serve.
Trauma Orthopaedic Research at Christchurch Hospital (TORCH) is funded by the Canterbury Orthopaedics Service (COS) and staffed by University of Otago employees.
Orthopaedic trauma research
TORCH has been actively involved in a growing portfolio of clinical studies, with an emphasis on mentorship, research training, and real-world impact.
Proximal Humeral Intramedullary Nailing in New Zealand study (PHINZ)
We are investigating intramedullary nail versus locking plate fixation for proximal humerus fractures.
This is a multicentre randomised trial comparing surgical techniques for proximal humerus fractures, with a focus on functional outcomes and complication rates in older adults. The trial will also include a cost-effectiveness analysis from a societal perspective.
Sites: Five centres across New Zealand
Status: Pilot study completed; funding application in preparation
Principal Investigators: Dr Helen Ingoe, Dr Richard Llyod
Trainee Investigator: Dr Savannah Adams
Trial Manager: Dr Zohreh Jafarian Tangrood
Weight-bearing trial
We are investigating immediate versus delayed weight-bearing following ankle fracture fixation. We aim to optimise mobilisation strategies after surgery.
This multicentre randomised trial will evaluate whether immediate weight-bearing leads to better functional recovery without increasing complications. The study design is informed by a completed pilot trial.
Sites: Three centres across New Zealand
Status: Pilot study completed; funding application in preparation
Principal Investigators: Dr Helen Ingoe, Dr Jonny Sharr, Dr Andrew Powell
Trainee Investigator: Dr Blair Mason
Trial Manager: Dr Zohreh Jafarian Tangrood
Geriatric Distal Femur Fixation versus Replacement (DIFFIR)
This is a randomized controlled trial of acute Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) versus Distal Femoral Replacement (DFR)
The DIFFIR study is an international multicentre randomised controlled trial led from Toronto, investigating the outcomes of internal fixation versus distal femoral replacement (artificial knee) in elderly patients with distal femur fractures. The study focuses particularly on frail or cognitively impaired patients who are unable to comply with post-operative immobilisation, putting them at higher risk of fixation failure.
By offering distal femoral replacement—where damaged bone and joint surfaces are replaced with artificial components—patients may be able to mobilise immediately post-surgery, potentially returning to independence faster and avoiding complications related to prolonged immobility. Christchurch is one of the international contributing sites, actively enrolling patients into the trial.
Principal Investigator: Dr Timothy Cheung
Trial Manager: Dr Zohreh Jafarian Tangrood
Our people
Steering committee
Dr Helen Ingoe, Chair
Dr Helen Ingoe is a Senior Clinical Lecturer with interests in orthopaedic trauma and acromioclavicular and shoulder and elbow joints.
Dr Jonny Sharr, Vice-Chair
Dr Jonny Sharr is an orthopaedic surgeon based in Christchurch primarily dealing with orthopaedic trauma and pathology of the foot and ankle. He is currently President of the NZOA Trauma Society, is a member of the NZOA Foot and Ankle Society, an elected member on NZOA Council, and sits on the NZOA Education Committee.
Mr Andrew Powell, Surgeon Adviser
Mr Andrew Powell is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon based in Christchurch, New Zealand, specialising in knee surgery and complex trauma cases. His professional affiliations include membership in the New Zealand Orthopaedic Association and the International Society of Arthroscopy, Knee Surgery, and Orthopaedic Sports Medicine.
Dr Richard Lloyd, Surgeon Adviser
Dr Richard Lloyd is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Christchurch Hospital and a clinical senior lecturer at the University of Otago, Christchurch. He contributes to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching through the University of Otago.
Dr Zohreh Jafarian Tangrood, Allied Health Professional Adviser 
Zohreh's research interest is musculoskeletal disorders and clinical-based research studies. She currently works on multiple trauma studies as an Assistant Research Fellow in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine.
Trainee advisers
- Dr Jay Jeffries
- Dr Sam Choi
Contact us
TORCH Chair:
Email helen.ingoe@otago.ac.nz
Trial management:
Email zohreh.jafarian@otago.ac.nz
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Musculoskeletal Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch: