Ultrashort Echo Time MRI of the Knee to Detect Early Osteoarthritis
Official title: Ultrashort Echo Time Magnetic Resonance Imaging of the Knee Joint
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11379518 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new MRI technique using ultrashort echo time sequences to image knee tissues and detect early signs of knee osteoarthritis in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $622,019 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR085008-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11379518 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for or suspected of having early knee OA who are undergoing knee MRI.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without knee OA or those not undergoing MRI may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop fast, automated MRI methods that can map cartilage, menisci, ligaments, and bone more clearly, even when tissues are normally hard to see with standard MRI. By using ultrashort echo time and advanced modeling, the study seeks biomarkers that reflect early cartilage and collagen changes without lengthy scans. If successful, these methods could make early OA detection more accessible in clinical care and help guide timely treatment decisions. The research is designed with patient workflows in mind, looking to reduce scan time and simplify data interpretation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from earlier, more accurate detection of knee OA and faster MRI scans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise for advanced MRI biomarkers, but this approach targets fast, automated mapping of multiple knee tissues.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Du, Jiang — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Du, Jiang
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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.