Post-traumatic Osteoarthritis (PTOA) is a debilitating condition that can develop after a knee injury. Despite its impact, the underlying mechanisms and early detection methods remain limited. Our laboratory is committed to addressing this challenge by developing innovative imaging tools and biomarkers. Key Research Areas:

• Understanding Early Stages: By investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms, we aim to identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent the progression of PTOA.
• Enabling Early Detection: We are developing advanced imaging techniques to detect PTOA at its earliest stages, allowing for timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
• Supporting Clinical Advancements: Our research will provide essential tools and biomarkers to facilitate the development and evaluation of novel treatments for PTOA.

Our research combines biology and imaging techniques to investigate PTOA from cells to knees. At the cellular level, we study the mechanisms of early post-injury events to identify potential therapeutic targets. At the in vivo level, we are developing contrast agents and a multimodal imaging protocol (combining optical imaging, MRI, and PET) to visualize PTOA progression in an animal model that mimics human knee injury. At the clinical level, we are working to identify early markers of PTOA in patients who have sustained knee injuries using advanced MRI imaging with genomic analysis of synovial fluid. Our goal is to create a comprehensive biomarker profile to accurately predict PTOA risk.