Using MRI to understand muscle degeneration in rotator cuff injuries
Official title: Magnetic resonance biomarkers of muscle degeneration in patients with rotator cuff tears
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10478830 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how MRI and spectroscopy can help doctors see changes in muscles for people with rotator cuff tears, so they can better understand the injury and find out how well treatments are working, all without needing any invasive procedures.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $199,287 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AR077231-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10478830 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rotator cuff tears who are experiencing muscle degeneration.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without rotator cuff injuries or those with other unrelated musculoskeletal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy can non-invasively assess muscle degeneration in patients with rotator cuff tears. By measuring changes in muscle tissue and function without the need for biopsies, the study aims to track disease progression and evaluate treatment effectiveness. The focus is on understanding the relationship between muscle microvascular function and overall muscle quality, which can help improve patient care. This innovative approach could lead to better management strategies for those suffering from rotator cuff injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved diagnostic and treatment options for patients with rotator cuff tears.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using MRI techniques for assessing muscle conditions, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pozzi, Federico — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Pozzi, Federico
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Meltblown scaffolds to help irreparable rotator cuff tears
A new 3-D biomaterial scaffold made from meltblown technology aims to improve interposition grafts for people with irreparable rotator cuff tears.
-
Predicting How Exercise Helpful Rotator Cuff Tears Will Turn Out
Aimed at people with rotator cuff tears, the grant investigates how a personalized exercise program might lead to better shoulder function and fewer surgeries.
-
Nervous system role in recovering from painful rotator cuff tears
This project looks at how brain and nervous system factors influence recovery and pain after rotator cuff tears to help tailor treatments for people suffering from this condition.
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Turning harmful shoulder fat into healing beige fat with targeted nanomedicine
This project uses tiny medicine-filled nanoparticles to turn the harmful fat that builds up in torn shoulder muscles into healing, energy-burning fat to help people recover after rotator cuff tears.
-
Biomusculoskeletal drivers of shoulder pain in rotator cuff tears
A research project will explore why some people with a torn rotator cuff have pain and others don’t by looking at nerves, brain signals, and shoulder muscle control.
-
Genetic links to rotator cuff tears and muscle fatty change
This project looks for genetic differences that raise the risk of rotator cuff tears, lead to fatty changes in shoulder muscles, and influence outcomes after surgery or physical therapy for people with atraumatic rotator cuff tears.
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.