Using PET/MRI scans to find sources of chronic pain

Is this trial a fit for you?

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

What this trial studies

This research aims to determine if FDG PET/MRI scans can accurately identify the sources of chronic pain by localizing sites of inflammation. The study will enroll approximately 128 participants, including those with persistent pain following joint surgeries and asymptomatic controls. By comparing FDG uptake in painful areas to healthy individuals, the study seeks to improve the understanding of nociception and inflammation. Participants will undergo imaging procedures over a period of up to 12 months.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria: Persistent Post-Surgical Pain Patients

* 18-85 years old
* Presents with persistent pain with pain score of ≥4 on Numerical Rating Scale \[0:10\] for at least 6 months following joint arthroplasty or arthroscopy.
* Able and willing to provide informed consent
* Willing and able to undergo PET/MRI (arthroplasty and arthroscopy participants) and PET/CT (arthroplasty participants only)

Inclusion Criteria: Asymptomatic controls

* 18-85 years old
* Asymptomatic (pain score of ≤2 on the NRS) for at least 6 months following joint arthroplasty or arthroscopy.
* Able and willing to provide informed consent
* Willing and able to undergo PET/MRI

Exclusion Criteria:

* Inability to understand and communicate with the investigators to complete the study-related questionnaires.
* Any co-morbidity which results in severe systemic disease limiting function as defined by the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status classification \> 3, such as the presence of current or past (6 months) pulmonary, hepatic, renal disease, arthritis, hematopoietic, and neurological diseases not related to chronic pain.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding. (Individuals with childbearing potential will be asked to verbally confirm they are not pregnant. If they cannot confirm, they will have a urine pregnancy test either at the imaging study visit or within 7 days prior to the imaging study visit.)
* Subject with contraindication(s) to or inability to undergo PET/MRI
* Current diagnosis of malignancy of any kind. Participants in remission for at least two years and not undergoing any treatment may be considered per investigator discretion
* Current enrollment in a scientific interventional or treatment study.
* Subject unable or unwilling to provide informed consent

Where it's running

• UW School of Medicine and Public Health
  Madison, Wisconsin, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Sandip Biswal, MD — University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Study coordinator: Radiology Studies
• Email: Radstudy@uwhealth.org
• Phone: 608-282-8349

Similar studies

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

• Esmolol vs Dexmedetomidine for opioid-sparing in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery

  This study tests whether low-dose esmolol or dexmedetomidine, given during surgery, reduces opioid use and improves pain control after laparoscopic hysterectomy compared with placebo.

  Recruiting National and Kapodistrian University of Athens · Athens · NCT07846722

• Using the Nociception Level Index to guide opioid dosing during combined regional and general anesthesia

  This trial tests whether using a Nociception Level Index (NOL) monitor to guide opioid dosing during combined general and regional anesthesia can reduce opioid use and side effects for adults having elective trauma or orthopedic surgery.

  Recruiting Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf · Hamburg · NCT06905340

• Using Ultra Low Frequency Neuromodulation to Treat Chronic Low Back Pain

  This study is testing if a new low-frequency therapy can help adults with chronic low back pain feel better compared to standard treatments.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Presidio Medical, Inc · Norwood, South Australia and 2 other locations · NCT06763653

• Investigating pain mechanisms in patients with spinal cord injuries

  This study is trying to understand how spinal cord injuries cause nerve pain by looking at how the body processes pain and responds to it in people with different types of spinal injuries and nerve issues.

  Recruiting University of Zurich · Zurich, Canton of Zurich · NCT06443281

• Monitoring and understanding chronic pain using AI and telemonitoring

  This study is testing a new way to manage chronic pain by using wearable technology and AI to better understand patients' pain experiences and improve their treatment.

  Recruiting at 4 sites ETH Zurich · Pietra Ligure, Savona and 3 other locations · NCT06044584

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.