Comparing SPECT-CT and MRI for diagnosing foot and ankle osteoarthritis

SPECT-CT Versus MRI for the Diagnosis of Symptomatic Osteoarthritis in the Ankle, Hind- and Midfoot.

Observational Martini Hospital Groningen · NCT05912153

This study is testing whether SPECT-CT or MRI is better at diagnosing osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle for patients who have symptoms.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment132 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMartini Hospital Groningen Academic / other
Locations1 site (Groningen)
Trial IDNCT05912153 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic performance of SPECT-CT and MRI in patients with symptomatic osteoarthritis of the ankle, hindfoot, and midfoot. It involves a prospective cohort design where patients aged 18 and older, referred to the Martini Hospital Groningen, will undergo both imaging techniques as part of their standard workup. The study will assess parameters such as sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values to determine which imaging modality provides better diagnostic accuracy. The findings could help standardize diagnostic protocols for osteoarthritis in these areas.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with suspected symptomatic osteoarthritis of the ankle, hindfoot, or midfoot and a pain score of 4 or higher.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for SPECT-CT or MRI, recent trauma, or isolated forefoot pathology may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy for osteoarthritis in the foot and ankle, potentially enhancing treatment plans for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies indicating the potential of SPECT-CT in diagnosing osteoarthritis, this study is among the first to prospectively compare SPECT-CT and MRI in this specific context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Suspected symptomatic ankle, hind- or midfoot OA
* Informed consent
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Average NRS ≥4 over the past week.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication for surgery
* Contraindication for SPECT-CT or MRI
* Contraindication for intra-articular injections
* Isolated forefoot pathology
* Fracture, ligamentous or tendon injury of the ankle, hind- and/or midfoot trauma within one year before presentation
* History of neurological disease
* History of foot and/or ankle surgery (affected side)
* Inability to read and understand the written information

Where this trial is running

Groningen

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 Osteoarthritis AnkleOsteoarthritisSPECT/CTMRIosteoarthritisFoot and/or Ankle
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.