The purpose of this research is to determine if a PET/MRI scan using FDG can accurately identify the source of chronic pain. Identifying the source of pain may help doctors treat chronic pain more effectively. Approximately 128 participants will be enrolled and can expect to be on study for up to 12 months.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 85 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria: Persistent Post-Surgical Pain Patients
* 18-85 years old
* Presents with persistent pain with pain score of ≥4 on Numerical Rating Scale \[0:10\] for at least 6 months following joint arthroplasty or arthroscopy.
* Able and willing to provide informed consent
* Willing and able to undergo PET/MRI (arthroplasty and arthroscopy participants) and PET/CT (arthroplasty participants only)
Inclusion Criteria: Asymptomatic controls
* 18-85 years old
* Asymptomatic (pain score of ≤2 on the NRS) for at least 6 months following joint arthroplasty or arthroscopy.
* Able and willing to provide informed consent
* Willing and able to undergo PET/MRI
Exclusion Criteria:
* Inability to understand and communicate with the investigators to complete the study-related questionnaires.
* Any co-morbidity which results in severe systemic disease limiting function as defined by the American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status classification \> 3, such as the presence of current or past (6 months) pulmonary, hepatic, renal disease, arthritis, hematopoietic, and neurological diseases not related to chronic pain.
* Pregnant or breastfeeding. (Individuals with childbearing potential will be asked to verbally confirm they are not pregnant. If they cannot confirm, they will have a urine pregnancy test either at the imaging study visit or within 7 days prior to the imaging study visit.)
* Subject with contraindication(s) to or inability to undergo PET/MRI
* Current diagn…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.