Using MRI to understand and prevent atypical femoral fractures
Official title: Leveraging MRI Technology for Atypical Femoral Fracture Risk Management
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11295059 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A health study to find MRI-based signs that predict atypical femoral fractures so doctors can tailor osteoporosis treatment and reduce dangerous breaks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $625,568 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AR085593-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11295059 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for osteoporosis who may be considered for long-term antiresorptive therapy and who have concerns about AFF risk.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low AFF risk or those not undergoing antiresorptive therapy may see little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project will look at MRI images to identify measurable bone features that indicate higher risk of atypical femoral fractures (AFF). Researchers will create a tiered screening approach to help decide how long osteoporosis drugs should be used and when to pause treatment. The goal is to help patients by reducing fracture risk while avoiding unnecessary drug exposure, using imaging data and clinical factors. The study is based at the University of Pennsylvania with a focus on translating imaging findings into practical risk tools for clinicians and patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients at higher AFF risk could receive more personalized osteoporosis treatment plans to prevent fractures.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work links imaging phenotypes to fracture risk, but this aims to create a systematic, patient-specific AFF risk screen.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rajapakse, Chamith Sudesh — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Rajapakse, Chamith Sudesh
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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.