The browser you are using is not supported by this website. All versions of Internet Explorer are no longer supported, either by us or Microsoft (read more here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/windows/end-of-ie-support).

Please use a modern browser to fully experience our website, such as the newest versions of Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari etc.

OA research at Lund University - MENIX

A white MRI scanner
This is not the 7T described in the text.

We had the opportunity to speak with Emma Einarsson and Pernilla Peterson. Both are licensed hospital physicists and doctors of medical science. They work in the Imaging and Function department at Skåne University Hospital in Lund, where they support the MRI operations. Their tasks include safety, development, education, and research.

Osteoarthritis research is conducted in various ways and through different methods. One ongoing study that has been running for several years is the MENIX study. In this study, individuals both with and without knee problems, as well as those undergoing knee replacement surgery, are examined. Participants have one of their knees scanned with an MRI and are followed up after 2, 5, and 10 years. Participants do not receive any clinical feedback from the examination; the purpose of their participation is to advance osteoarthritis research. The MRI used is called the 7-Tesla (7T), developed for research purposes, and in some cases, it can also be used for clinical examinations. The official name of the scanner is The National 7T Facility.

The 7T scanner in Lund is a national resource in collaboration between Lund, Umeå, Uppsala, Linköping, Gothenburg, and Karolinska Institute. Compared to other MRI scanners at the hospital, the magnetic field in the 7T is more than twice as strong, providing a stronger signal and enabling higher resolution images and other advanced techniques. The scanner is owned by Lund University but is fully integrated with the hospital environment in Region Skåne’s facilities.

MRI technology is well-suited for examining joints because it can visualize soft tissues such as cartilage. The MRI technology used in the 7T can also provide information about the composition and structure of different tissues. Despite osteoarthritis being such a common disease, we still know little about what happens in the joint in the early stages of the disease. The study aims to determine if the 7T can be used to increase knowledge about how different tissues in the knee joint are affected by osteoarthritis.

We wanted to know what it is like for participants in the study. Emma and Pernilla explain, 

The examination itself is carried out by the skilled radiology nurses working with the 7T, sometimes with the help of researchers from the study.

They continue, “Most of our work is done before and after the images are collected. Before the study started, we conducted a large number of tests to develop and optimize the imaging protocol that is followed during the examination so that we do the same for each participant. Since we use research techniques, we then need to perform certain calculations and analyses of the images afterward.”

They also mention that in their roles as hospital physicists, they sometimes get involved before the examination if the participant has an implant or metal in their body. In such cases, Pernilla and Emma help determine if the examination can be performed.

Some people find it uncomfortable to lie in the MRI tunnel, so we asked Emma and Pernilla for tips. They say that the radiology nurses working with the scanner are experts at assisting those who find the examination uncomfortable.

Closing your eyes when entering the tunnel can feel good, Emma adds.

If you wish to participate in the MENIX study, you are warmly welcome to contact us via email: menix [at] med [dot] lu [dot] se