Paracelsus Medical University – Salzburg

At the Research program for Musculoskeletal Imaging within the Center of Anatomy and Cell Biology at Paracelsus Medical University in Salzburg, our primary research focus is on “Quantitative Imaging in Osteoarthritis”.

We are developing sophisticated segmentation and analysis tools for various articular and peri-articular tissues, with a particular emphasis on articular cartilage morphology and matrix composition. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning (DL) techniques enables us to transition from manual segmentation to fully automated tissue analysis. This cutting-edge approach relies heavily on the availability of comprehensive training and validation datasets, meticulously segmented by expert readers. Our goal is to develop precise quantitative imaging biomarkers that serve as reliable indicators for clinical outcomes (surrogates) in observational studies, and that show a quick response to treatment in interventional trials, assessing disease and structure modifying pharmacological agents. Additionally, we are exploring the metabolic phenotype of osteoarthritis, particularly focusing on the influence of diabetes mellitus. Our analysis encompasses parameters such as muscle strength, specific strength, patient-reported outcomes of lower limb function, physical performance, cartilage thickness loss (progression), and changes in cartilage composition (collagen orientation and hydration via MRI T2 relaxation time). The goal of these developments is their application at patients undergoing studies at different centers in the world. We have devised and tested a refined and very efficient MRI image acquisition protocol specifically tailored for clinical research in osteoarthritis. Overall, our research strives to understand the (functional) adaptation of musculoskeletal tissues to physiological and patho-physiological conditions. Further it aims to enhance patient care strategies through the scientific understanding of imaging, and to equip clinicians and researchers with effective tools for improved diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of joint diseases, in particular osteoarthritis.