NIH-funded research R01 grant

Understanding how knee osteoarthritis progresses using MRI scans

Official title: Identifying determinants of rapid structural and/or clinical progression in knee osteoarthritis by quantitative assessment of structural features on radiographs

Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-10859277 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain changes in knee structure seen on MRI scans can help us understand why some people with knee osteoarthritis experience faster worsening of their condition, with the goal of improving treatments for those affected.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Arizona
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tucson, United States)
Project startSeptember 7, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$402,014
NIH project number3R01AR080742-02S1
Project IDNIH-10859277 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis who experience varying degrees of knee pain.

Less likely to help

Patients without a diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis or those with other unrelated joint conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the factors that contribute to the rapid progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA) by analyzing structural features visible on MRI scans. The study aims to identify specific patterns of knee pain and their relationship with various MRI-defined structural abnormalities over time. By leveraging advanced imaging techniques and machine learning, the researchers hope to enhance the screening process for clinical trials, ultimately leading to better treatment options for patients suffering from knee OA.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved screening methods for clinical trials, resulting in more effective treatments for knee osteoarthritis.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using MRI and machine learning to understand knee osteoarthritis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Arizona
    Tucson, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kwoh, C Kent — University of Arizona
  • Study coordinator: Kwoh, C Kent

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.