Understanding knee osteoarthritis damage and disease activity

Interpretation and Utility of Novel Composite Structural Endpoints of Cumulative Damage and Disease Activity in Knee Osteoarthritis

NIH-funded research Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11124755

This study is looking at new ways to track how knee osteoarthritis gets worse or better using advanced imaging, so that doctors can find better treatments that really help patients feel good.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Worcester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11124755 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to better define and measure the progression of knee osteoarthritis using advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques. It aims to create a composite outcome that captures various structural changes in the knee, such as cartilage damage and bone marrow lesions. By identifying how much change in these measures correlates with meaningful improvements or worsening of symptoms, the research seeks to enhance the evaluation of new therapies for knee osteoarthritis. Patients may benefit from improved treatment options based on these findings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis who are experiencing symptoms related to joint damage.

Not a fit: Patients with knee osteoarthritis who are not experiencing significant symptoms or those with other unrelated joint conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies that slow or reverse knee osteoarthritis progression.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using imaging techniques to assess joint conditions, but this specific composite approach is novel.

Where this research is happening

Worcester, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.