Magic Angle Direction Imaging for ACL tears and meniscus injuries
Official title: Diagnostics of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Using Magic Angle Directional Imaging (MADI)
Run by Imperial College London · NCT07366619 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Imperial College London Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (London and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 29, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 26, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07366619 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
-
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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.