Magic Angle Direction Imaging for ACL tears and meniscus injuries
Diagnostics of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Using Magic Angle Directional Imaging (MADI)
Imperial College London · NCT07366619
This study tries a new low-field MRI technique called Magic Angle Direction Imaging to see if it shows ACL tears and meniscus injuries more clearly in adults scheduled for ligament repair.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Imperial College London (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (London and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07366619 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot observational study uses a prototype low-field MRI scanner and magic-angle imaging sequences that were developed and refined in healthy volunteers to image patients with ACL tears. Twenty adults aged 18–65 who are selected for ligament repair and meet MRI safety and size limits will undergo additional scans at Imperial College London. The protocol applies specific limb positioning and sequences designed to capture signals from collagen-rich tissues (ligaments, tendons, cartilage) that conventional MRI often cannot image directly. Imaging will be compared with standard clinical MRI and surgical findings when available to determine whether the technique provides additional diagnostic detail.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults 18–65 with a confirmed ACL tear who are selected for ligament repair, can undergo MRI, and meet the scanner size limits (BMI ≤28 or thigh circumference <47 cm) are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, too large to fit the prototype scanner, acutely unwell, recently operated on the joint, or with severe pain may not be eligible or receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this technique could make ligaments, tendons and cartilage appear more clearly on MRI, improving diagnosis and surgical planning for ACL and meniscal injuries.
How similar studies have performed: Magic-angle MRI methods have shown promising results in research and healthy-volunteer studies for imaging collagen-rich tissues, but clinical in vivo use for ACL imaging remains novel and not yet proven.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adults aged 18 - 65 years * selected for ligament repair surgery * ability to give informed consent, either written or e-consent * no contraindications to MRI * BMI ≤ 28 or thigh circumference less than 47 cm at approximately 7.5cm above the joint line Exclusion Criteria: * acutely unwell or frail patients in whom extension of scanning time may not be tolerated or may delay treatment * contraindications to MRI * participants who are too big to be able to fit in the prototype scanner * recent surgery to the affected joint * severe pain * pregnant and/or breastfeeding participants
Where this trial is running
London and 1 other locations
- Imperial College London — London, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
- Imperial College NHS Trust, Department of Surgery and Cancer — London, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Chinmay Gupte, PhD — Imperial College NHS Trust
- Study coordinator: Chinmay Gupte, PhD
- Email: chinmay.gupte@nhs.net
- Phone: +44 (0) 20 331 21715
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries, Meniscus Tear, magic angle, musculoskeletal, low field, magnetic resonance imaging, knee, ACL