Accelerated MRI techniques for assessing cartilage health

Multi-Vendor Multi-Site Novel Accelerated MRI Relaxometry

Observational The Cleveland Clinic · NCT04536103

This study is testing new, faster MRI methods to see if they can help people at risk for osteoarthritis by checking the health of their cartilage more accurately.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment88 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
Trial IDNCT04536103 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study focuses on developing novel, fast, and reproducible MRI techniques to assess early changes in cartilage health, particularly for patients at risk for osteoarthritis. It aims to standardize and validate MR T1ρ and T2 relaxation time imaging methods across multiple vendors and sites, addressing challenges such as long acquisition times and variability in quantification. By creating dedicated calibration phantoms and standardized protocols, the study seeks to facilitate the integration of these advanced imaging techniques into clinical practice and future multi-site trials.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older, particularly those at risk for osteoarthritis or with an acute ACL tear.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to MRI, such as severe claustrophobia or implanted devices, as well as those with a history of osteoarthritis or previous knee injuries, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of osteoarthritis, improving patient outcomes through timely interventions.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been successful applications of T1ρ imaging in other fields, this specific approach to standardizing and validating these techniques across multiple vendors and sites is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Group 1

1\. Age \> 18

Group 2

1\. Age 18-50

Group 3

1. Age 18-50
2. Sustain an acute full ACL tear in one knee; the contralateral knee uninjured
3. Undergo ACL reconstructions and standard rehabilitation

Group 4

1\. Age 18-50

Exclusion Criteria:

Group 1

1. Contraindication to MRI such as severe claustrophobia and implanted devices such as neurostimulators, pacemakers, aneurysm clips etc.
2. Pregnancy.

Group 2

1. Contraindication to MRI such as severe claustrophobia and implanted devices such as neurostimulators, pacemakers, aneurysm clips etc.
2. Pregnancy.
3. History of osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis
4. Previous injury and/or surgery on either knee

Group 3

1. Contraindication to MRI such as severe claustrophobia and implanted devices such as neurostimulators, pacemakers, aneurysm clips etc.
2. Pregnancy.
3. Inability to undergo standard pre- and post-injury/operative rehabilitation

Group 4

1. Contraindication to MRI such as severe claustrophobia and implanted devices such as neurostimulators, pacemakers, aneurysm clips etc.
2. Pregnancy.
3. History of osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis
4. Previous injury and/or surgery on either knee

Where this trial is running

Cleveland, Ohio

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Bone Diseases, InfectiousMusculoskeletal DiseasesJoint DiseasesOsteoarthritisACL TearCartilage Degeneration
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.