Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 50

Accelerated MRI techniques for assessing cartilage health

Official title: Multi-Vendor Multi-Site Novel Accelerated MRI Relaxometry

Run by The Cleveland Clinic · NCT04536103 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
Enrollment88 (estimated)
SponsorThe Cleveland Clinic
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Cleveland, Ohio)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 1, 2022
Main results expectedFebruary 24, 2026
Study endsDecember 28, 2026
Registry record updatedFebruary 27, 2026
Trial IDNCT04536103 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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 gone: 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.

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Cleveland Clinic Foundation
    Cleveland, Ohio, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Xiaojuan Li — Director, Program for Advanced Musculoskeletal Imaging
  • Study coordinator: Xiaojuan Li, PhD
  • Email: lix6@ccf.org
  • Phone: 510-685-3495

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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.