Research
Our lab's research focuses on the development, validation, and clinical translation of quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques to advance patient care. Our primary application area is musculoskeletal disorders, including those that can lead to osteoarthritis and low back pain. We are leading efforts to advance imaging of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH), Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD), osteochondritis dissecans (OCD), and canine intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Our technological expertise is in the use of high- (3T) and ultrahigh-field (7T+) MRI systems to image tissue structure, physiology, and pathology in comparative animal and human studies. We are also involved in numerous other collaborative, interdisciplinary research projects. Some of our ongoing research initiatives are highlighted below.
Advanced MRI Technologies
A primary focus of our technical work is the development of new and efficient methods to image and quantify structural, biochemical, and functional tissue changes to better characterize injury and repair to musculoskeletal tissues. We are currently working on developing methods that can better characterize pathological changes to bone marrow and cartilage.
Ischemic Injury and Repair to the Femoral Head
Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a serious condition affecting both children and young adults that can lead to osteoarthritis and accounts for 10% of hip replacements. The initial event in the pathogenesis of ONFH is ischemic injury to the femoral head, which can lead to a localized region of bone necrosis and subsequent mechanical weakening and collapse of the femoral head. We are investigating advanced quantitative MRI techniques to (i) detect early ischemic injury to the femoral head and (ii) monitor disease progression and response to treatment. Our focus is on detection and repair of early stage ONFH, prior to femoral head collapse, to inform hip preservation treatments.
Pathogenesis of Developmental Joint Disorders
To coincide with our work on ONFH, we are also investigating development joint disorders of ischemic origin that are percursors to osteoarthritis, including Legg-Calve-Perthes disease (LCPD) and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). We are using quantitative MRI techniques as a window into these disorders, in comparative animal model and patient studies, to better understand the progression of disease, predict clinical outcome, and assess the efficacy of potential therapies.
Intervertebral Disc Disease
There are many similarities between intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs and people. IVDD results in degradation and herniation the intervertebral discs in the spine, which can lead to compression of the spinal cord and nerves and resultant pain and loss of function. We are working to characterize quantitative MRI techniques to detect subtle changes in disc and spinal cord health. These techniques may improve detection of IVDD and associated injury in both dogs and people, which may enable better prediction of disease progression, more precise targeting of interventions, and evaluation of the effectiveness of novel therapies.