Advanced MRI and movement analysis for hip and knee osteoarthritis

Structural, Biochemical and Functional Connectivity in Osteoarthritis using Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Skeletal Biomechanics

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11106034

This project uses advanced MRI scans and movement testing to find early signs of hip and knee osteoarthritis in adults so problems can be caught before joint damage becomes severe.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11106034 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

You would get specialized quantitative MRI scans that measure cartilage chemistry and 3-D joint structure alongside detailed gait and biomechanics testing to see how your hip and knee move together. Researchers combine these imaging and movement measurements to link tissue changes with how you walk and load your joints. The team aims to identify people at high risk for progression at a stage when cartilage abnormalities might be reversible. Some participants may return for follow-up imaging and movement tests to track changes over time.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults with hip or knee pain or risk factors for osteoarthritis—especially older adults, people with prior joint injury, or those with obesity—would be ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People without hip or knee problems or those with advanced end-stage joint damage already scheduled for joint replacement are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors detect early, treatable joint changes and target interventions that reduce the need for joint replacement.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows quantitative MRI and gait analysis can reveal early cartilage changes, but combining biochemical MRI with detailed 3‑D biomechanics across hip and knee is a relatively new approach.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.