The MSK- imaging research unit aims to implement, test, develop and
potentially improve the use of various imaging techniques to diagnose, follow
treatment responses and understand the underlying patho-physiology and anatomy
of various musculoskeletal diseases.
Our research is done in close collaboration with several internal and
external departments and collaborators (see collaborators below) and focuses
on-, and covers a large variety of musculoskeletal conditions including
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, generalised pain
syndromes, degenerative and inflammatory diseases of the spine (axial
spondylosis/spondylitis), tendon diseases and sports related injuries etc.
All of these conditions can affect most joints and soft issues in the body
including muscles and tendons and impose a substantial burden on the affected
individual and the society.
We see our self as pioneers in the use of novel imaging methods to quantify
inflammation in both inflammatory and degenerative MSK diseases including
muscles and tendons, primarily using static and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI
(DCE-MRI), but we also in a joint venture with the Parker institute, the Danish
research center for MRI at Hvidovre university hospital and Rigshospitalet, use
functional MRI (fMRI) of the brain to understand the individual patients
response to pain, and finally we use the first tilting weight baring MRI scanner
in Scandinavia to understand the mechanical changes in the lumbar spine, the
knees and feets with the aim of to clarify the impact of mechanical changes from
supine to weightbaring on the clinical pain syndromes .
Finally we use imaging as inclusion criteria’s as well as both primary and
secondary end-point in studies testing pharmacological therapy, impact of weight
loss, herbal food supplements, in collaborations with national and international
research groups and the pharmaceutical industry.
Since most of our research focuses on implementing and testing novel imaging
techniques in clinical research our results has the potential to be relatively
fast and easy translated into clinical practice to the benefit of the individual
patient.
We also take an active part in research training, educational activities of
pre- and post-graduate students and fellows, and encourage them to participate
in our research.
For information about possible attachment to the imaging unit as a pre- or
postgraduate student (Bachelor, Master, or PhD) please contact the unit head
Mikael Boesen, or the responsible research technician Janus Damm Nybing.
The Department of Radiology of BFH has at Bispebjerg Hospital one GE 1.5T and
one Siemens 3T MR scanner, and at Frederiksberg Hosptital one 1.5T Philips, one
3T Siemens and one 0.25 tilting weightbaring MRI scanner, the G-scanner.
The 3T Siemens MRI scanner and the 0.25 tilting weightbaring MRI scanner, the
G-scanner, was donated to the Parker institute by the OAK foundation in 2008 and
installed and run by the department of Radiology Frederiksberg Hospital in 2008
(3T) and 2010 (G-scan).