Investigating bone quality and function after spinal cord injury using advanced MRI techniques
Multi-scale MRI Assessment of Bone Quality and Function in a Chronic Rat Spinal Cord Injury Model
This study is looking at how spinal cord injuries can affect bone health over time, especially the risk of fractures, and it’s for people who have experienced such injuries; researchers will use special MRI scans to see changes in bone that regular scans might miss, hoping to find ways to prevent and treat related health issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA San Diego Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10950340 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how traumatic spinal cord injury affects bone health over time, particularly looking at the deterioration of bone tissue and the risk of fractures in patients. By utilizing advanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques, the study aims to evaluate changes in the structural and chemical properties of bone that are not visible with standard imaging methods. The goal is to uncover critical information about bone quality and the associated risks of conditions like anemia and immune dysfunction that can arise after spinal cord injuries. This research could lead to better prevention and treatment strategies for patients suffering from these complications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a traumatic spinal cord injury and are at risk for bone deterioration and related complications.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a spinal cord injury or those with acute injuries may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing fractures and managing bone health in patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of advanced MRI techniques for assessing bone quality is gaining interest, this specific approach in the context of spinal cord injury is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- VA San Diego Healthcare System — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chang, Eric Y — VA San Diego Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Chang, Eric Y
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.