RecruitingNot ApplicableInterventional

Earlier identification and enhanced understanding using three-dimensional images in the diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis

This research is looking at a new 3D scanner, called the Adaptix Ortho350, for people with inflammatory arthritis. It's the first time this scanner will be used with patients. The main goal is to find out if it can give doctors clearer and more detailed pictures of changes in bones and joints in the hands compared to standard X-rays. If successful, it could help doctors understand the condition better and improve how arthritis is diagnosed and managed in the future. The study involves one short visit for a scan and a questionnaire, with regular treatment continuing as normal. Participants are adults with inflammatory arthritis who already need hand X-rays.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

University of Exeter

Enrolment target

Start

22 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

03 Nov 2026

Inflammatory arthritis

What is this study about?

This study is about making it easier and clearer to see what's happening inside the hands of people with inflammatory arthritis. Inflammatory arthritis can cause changes to bones and joints, and doctors currently use X-rays to look at these changes. However, X-rays only provide a 2D, flat picture. This study wants to see if a new type of scanner, called the Adaptix Ortho350, can give doctors a better, 3D view.

The Adaptix Ortho350 scanner is being tested for the very first time with patients. The researchers want to find out if the 3D pictures it produces are more helpful and clear than traditional X-rays. If this new scanner works well, it could help healthcare professionals understand the disease more thoroughly, leading to earlier diagnosis and potentially better management of inflammatory arthritis in the future.

By taking part, you would be helping medical science. The results of this study could lead to new and improved ways of looking at and understanding inflammatory arthritis, which could benefit many patients in the years to come. Your usual medical care will not change during or after the study.

Key takeaways

It's a study testing a new 3D scanner for inflammatory arthritis.
It aims to get clearer, more detailed pictures of your hands than regular X-rays.
Participation involves one short visit (under 45 minutes) for a scan and questionnaire.
Your regular arthritis treatment will continue exactly as normal.
There are very low risks, including a small extra radiation dose.
If successful, it could improve future arthritis diagnosis and care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who have inflammatory arthritis and are already scheduled to have X-rays of their hands as part of their routine care. If you are an adult between 18 and 100 years old with this condition, you might be able to take part.

However, there are a few reasons why you might not be able to participate. You need to be able to keep your hands still for about 15 seconds during the scan. Also, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you won't be able to join the study. You also need to be able to understand the study information and give your permission, and speak enough English to do so.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult (aged 18-100) with inflammatory arthritis?
Do you need to have X-rays of your hands as part of your care?
Are you able to keep your hands still for about 15 seconds?
Are you not pregnant or planning to become pregnant?
Can you understand information in English and give permission to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll have just one visit to the Medical Imaging Centre at St Luke's Campus, University of Exeter. This visit will last no longer than 45 minutes. During this visit, you'll have a scan of both your hands using the new Adaptix Ortho350 scanner. Before the scan, the study team will explain everything and answer any questions you have, and you'll sign a consent form saying you agree to take part. They will also look at your medical notes for about 15 minutes to check your medical history.

The scan itself only takes about 5 minutes. Afterwards, you'll fill out a short questionnaire about your experience, which takes around 10 minutes. Then you'll be free to leave. Your regular medical treatment will continue exactly as it normally would – this study won't change your ongoing care. The research team will also look at any hand X-rays you might have had within four weeks of your study scan to compare them with the new scan images. They will also ask your doctors if the new scan helped them make better decisions.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could help improve how inflammatory arthritis is seen and understood in the future, potentially benefiting many people. You would receive a new type of scan that might offer more detail than standard X-rays. The risks involved are very low; there will be a small extra amount of radiation from the X-rays, similar to what you'd get from a regular X-ray. You might also feel mild discomfort while your hands are being scanned, and some of your medical information will be shared with the research team. Remember, joining is completely your choice, and you can decide to stop at any time without it affecting your usual medical care. Your regular treatment will continue as normal with your healthcare team.

Locations (2)

Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Exeter, England
University of Exeter
Approximate
Exeter, England

Common questions

What is inflammatory arthritis?

Inflammatory arthritis is a group of diseases where your body's immune system attacks your own joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

What is the Adaptix Ortho350 scanner?

It's a new type of scanner being tested that creates 3D pictures of your hands, which could give doctors more detailed views than traditional X-rays.

Will my regular treatment for arthritis change if I take part?

No, your regular treatment will not change. You will continue to receive care from your usual healthcare team as normal.

How long will the study visit take?

The study visit will take no more than 45 minutes in total, including explaining the study, the scan itself, and a short questionnaire.

Will I get to see the results of my 3D scan?

The scan results will be sent to your usual healthcare team, who can discuss them with you.

How to find out more

Karen Knapp

K.M.Knapp@exeter.ac.uk +44 (0)7779690545 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.