Osteoarthritis lab opened: rapid and precise diagnosis should expand treatment options

“In the MOBI-lab, we combine dynamic X-ray fluoroscopy with biomechanical motion analysis to visualize how joints are stressed during daily activities such as (jogging) and cycling,” says Jaap Harlaar, Professor of Clinical Biomechanics (TU Delft) and Medical Delta Professor. “The X-ray fluoroscopy captures the joint movement, while the cartilage load is determined by biomechanical motion analysis. This unique combination of medical expertise from Rotterdam and technological innovation from Delft provides in-depth insight into osteoarthritis and enables research that is not available anywhere else in the world.”

“Thanks to the combined expertise of doctors and engineers, we developed this facility that is at the forefront of early detection of osteoarthritis. With advanced MRI and PET-MRI scans, we can detect damage to joints and abnormal cartilage quality at an earlier stage, even before the cartilage has worn away,” says Edwin Oei, Professor of Musculoskeletal Imaging. “By combining this with data from the MOBI-lab, we obtain a complete picture of the disruptions in the joint. This allows us to recognize osteoarthritis earlier and treat patients more effectively, significantly improving their quality of life.”

Collaboration between doctors and engineers

Due to the strategic location of the lab in the heart of the hospital, doctors and researchers can not only detect early-stage osteoarthritis with unprecedented precision but also collaborate in real-time on innovative solutions and implement the correct treatment more quickly. This makes the implementation more efficient, allows for faster scaling, and enables patients to benefit sooner from new diagnostic methods and treatments. 

Read more on the websites of TU Delft and Convergence.