Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 70

Using advanced ultrasound to track blood flow in healthy and injured tendons

Official title: SUper-Resolution Ultrasound Imaging of Erythrocytes (SURE) in Normal and Tendinopathic Tendons

Run by University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg · NCT06142747 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new ultrasound method to see if it can help spot differences in blood flow in healthy and injured tendons, specifically for people with overuse injuries like Achilles and patellar tendinopathy.

More Tendinopathy trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
Enrollment135 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Copenhagen)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 8, 2024
Main results expectedJanuary 2028
Study endsJanuary 2028
Registry record updatedJanuary 22, 2026
Trial IDNCT06142747 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18 to 70 with a BMI below 30 who can lie still for the ultrasound examination.

Probably not a fit

Patients with conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or those who have had recent injuries to the tendon 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 observational study aims to evaluate a novel ultrasound technique called Super Resolution ultrasound imaging of Erythrocytes (SURE) to visualize and quantify the microvasculature in tendons affected by overuse injuries, specifically the Achilles and patellar tendons. Participants will undergo a non-invasive ultrasound examination to assess blood flow characteristics and vessel structure, comparing those with tendinopathy to healthy individuals. The study seeks to determine if SURE can detect subtle differences in blood vessel characteristics that may aid in diagnosing and treating tendon injuries.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic methods for tendon injuries, enhancing treatment strategies and patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While Doppler ultrasound has been commonly used, this study explores a novel approach with SURE, which has not been extensively tested in this context.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 to 70 years of age.
* BMI below 30.
* Able to lie still for 1 minute.
* Capable of providing signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy.
* Dementia.
* Smoking.
* Diabetes.
* Arthritis.
* Current or historical injuries to the tendon or surrounding tissue aside from tendinopathy.
* Medical or surgical treatments for their tendinopathy that may influence blood flow.

Where it's running

  • Institute of Sports Medicine
    Copenhagen, Denmark
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.