Using PET/MRI scans to find sources of chronic pain
FDG PET/MR Imaging of Peripheral Pain Generators in Persistent Post-Surgical Pain (PPSP)
This study is testing if special PET/MRI scans can help find out where chronic pain comes from in people who have ongoing pain after joint surgeries compared to those without pain.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 128 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Wisconsin, Madison Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Madison, Wisconsin) |
| Trial ID | NCT06171659 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-85 with persistent post-surgical pain following joint arthroplasty or arthroscopy.
Not a fit: Patients with severe systemic diseases or those unable to communicate effectively with investigators may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatments for chronic pain by accurately identifying its sources.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in identifying pain sources, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Madison, Wisconsin
- 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
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.