Assessing bone quality using a new MRI scanner
Bone Quality Assessment with a Novel Three-Bore Magnet Extremity MRI Scanner
This study is testing a new type of MRI scanner that looks at bone quality to help people with osteoporosis and similar bone conditions, especially postmenopausal women and older adults, by providing detailed information about their bones without any invasive procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10980528 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel three-bore magnet extremity MRI scanner designed to evaluate bone quality, particularly in patients with osteoporosis and related metabolic bone diseases. The study aims to utilize high-resolution MRI to accurately characterize the microarchitecture of bone and measure both the organic matrix and mineral content noninvasively. By combining these measurements, the research seeks to provide a more informative diagnostic tool for metabolic bone diseases, especially for postmenopausal women and older adults. The goal is to make MRI a more accessible and cost-effective option compared to traditional methods like DXA.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include postmenopausal women and older adults who are at risk for osteoporosis and related bone diseases.
Not a fit: Patients who are not at risk for osteoporosis or do not have metabolic bone diseases may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnosis and monitoring of bone health, potentially reducing the risk of fractures in at-risk populations.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using MRI for bone quality assessment, but this specific approach with the novel scanner is relatively new and untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ackerman, Jerome L — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Ackerman, Jerome L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.