Molecular joint imaging
At present, methods available to measure the quality and structure of cartilage are very limited. But it is this change which is traditionally used to diagnose the disease.
Some patients present to clinic before their OA is detectable by conventional imaging methods such as x-ray. It is thus important to develop methods to monitor cartilage status in non-invasive ways, to help diagnose early stage OA and change over time.
Our current research focuses on novel techniques for imaging cartilage and its damage in the OA process. This is essential if we are to successfully intervene with new drugs at an earlier stage in the disease.