Fast MRI mapping of knee cartilage to detect early damage
Multiparametric Mapping of Knee Joint with Magnetic Resonance Fingerprinting
This project uses a faster MRI method to map multiple knee tissue properties in people with or at risk for osteoarthritis so doctors can spot cartilage changes earlier.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166381 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team is adapting magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) to capture several biochemical and structural knee tissue maps (T1, T2, T1ρ, B1+ and proton density) in ten minutes or less on standard 3T scanners without injections. The goal is to pick up early changes like proteoglycan loss and collagen breakdown in cartilage before visible wear appears. Faster, simultaneous mapping could fit into routine MRI visits and make follow-up imaging easier. The NYU team will optimize the scan sequences and translate them for clinical use.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with knee pain, suspected or diagnosed osteoarthritis, prior knee injury, or those at high risk who can undergo a 3T MRI and tolerate a short knee scan.
Not a fit: People with incompatible metal implants, pacemakers, severe claustrophobia, or those who already have a knee replacement may not be eligible or benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could let doctors detect and monitor cartilage degeneration earlier and more conveniently, helping guide treatments to slow osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Early research using magnetic resonance fingerprinting and individual biochemical MRI measures shows promise, but combining multiple mappings for quick knee scans is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Regatte, Ravinder — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Regatte, Ravinder
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.