Imaging biochemical and mechanical changes in kneecap (patellofemoral) osteoarthritis
Simultaneous Imaging of Tissue Biochemistry and Metabolism associated with Biomechanics in Patella Femoral Joint Osteoarthritis
Using combined PET-MRI scans and walking measurements to look for bone, cartilage, and gait changes in adults with kneecap (patellofemoral) knee osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309619 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would have high-resolution combined PET-MRI scans of your knee and a gait (walking) biomechanics assessment at the start and again two years later. The team will enroll 100 adults with isolated patellofemoral osteoarthritis and collect imaging that shows tissue biochemistry and metabolism alongside detailed measures of how you walk. Researchers will compare bone and cartilage markers and model how walking patterns and bone shape relate to joint changes over time. The approach aims to find local imaging and biomechanical patterns linked to worsening OA.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) with isolated patellofemoral (kneecap) osteoarthritis who can undergo PET-MRI scanning and gait testing are the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without patellofemoral OA, with other primary knee conditions, or unable to complete PET-MRI or gait testing are unlikely to benefit directly from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify imaging and gait markers that help predict who will worsen and guide earlier, more targeted treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior imaging and biomechanics research has shown links to OA progression, but combining simultaneous PET-MRI with gait biomechanics in a longitudinal cohort is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Souza, Richard Brian — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Souza, Richard Brian
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.