Osteoarthritis Clinical Trial Network Research

3D Joint Space Width from Weight Bearing CT as an Imaging Biomarker of PTOA, University of Iowa

This project aims to establish affordable imaging biomarkers using weight-bearing CT in order to detect PTOA earlier.  Patients with an intra-articular fracture at high risk for developing PTOA will be studied at three sites (University of Iowa, University of Utah, and University of Washington).  3D joint space width maps and joint alignment will be computed from low-dose weightbearing CT studies obtained after surgical fracture reduction in a newly enrolled cohort of patients, as well as in a prior cohort, to determine how early changes correlate with later PTOA development.

Injection after Arthroscopic Partial Meniscectomy 

This project aims to execute a randomized controlled trial of long-acting triamcinolone (Zilretta, Flexion) versus placebo administered in the operating room after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy (APM).  The results of the study will provide important information about the role of synovitis and inflammation in the patient reported outcome after surgery, as well as determine whether the injection can improve the outcome.

Biomechanical Changes Following ACL Injury that Influence Post-Traumatic Osteoarthritis 

This project aims to identify biomechanical targets that can be modified to mitigate the risk of PTOA onset following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR).  The proposal seeks to determine the early time course of relevant biomechanical changes post-ACLR as well as the association between biomechanics and patient-reported outcomes.  Measures of biomechanical loading (quadriceps strength assessment, walking gait mechanics analysis, steps-per-day via wearable device) and joint tissue metabolism (serum chemokine analysis), patient reported outcomes (PROs), and preoperative MRI will be selectively collected at the various time gates.