- Clinical studies
- Musculoskeletal Radiology (MSK)
- Cardiovascular imaging
- Oncological imaging
- AI Foundation Models in radiology
- Research computed tomography (CT)
- Experimental imaging and image-guided therapy
- Interventional Neuroradiology Research Group
- Senology
- Pediatric radiology
- Translationale Bildgebung
- Research with Racoon
Musculoskeletal Radiology (MSK)
A particular focus of research in the field of musculoskeletal (MSK) radiology at the Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology is the transfer of innovative technologies into clinical practice. In this context, several prospective studies have been initiated and continuously developed, focusing primarily on accelerated MRI imaging. Findings from these research activities are continuously and directly used to improve patient care at our institute. In addition, new therapeutic applications for non-invasive HIFU therapy are being developed and tested in clinical trials.
Research focus
Accelerated MRI imaging
One research focus is accelerated MRI imaging. The focus here is on Compressed SENSE technology (CS-SENSE) and various algorithms for post-processing. Compared to previous standards, significant reductions in examination time have been demonstrated without compromising image quality and can therefore directly benefit patients through shorter examinations. As one of the first research groups worldwide, new variants of artificial intelligence for the post-processing of image data from Compressed SENSE are also being investigated to further reduce scan times.
Impact of stress
The research group is also investigating the effects of exercise on the body. Quantitative sequences are used here to evaluate the reaction of muscles and cartilage to different levels of exertion or even footwear in running.
Non-invasive HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) therapy
In addition to its use for established indications such as bone metastases or osteoid osteomas, the HIFU system is also being further developed in cooperation with Profound, in particular for the treatment of degenerative changes to the facet joints. As part of prospective studies, both the technical requirements and, finally, the effectiveness of the therapy will be evaluated in a clinical study on patients.
Current projects
- EU-funded clinical trial to compare pain reduction in bone metastases treated with HIFU, radiotherapy or a combination of both methods (FURTHER-trial)
- BMBF-funded clinical study to evaluate the Sonalleve MR-HIFU system for non-invasive thermal therapy of facet joint syndrome: clinical feasibility and safety study [HIFU-FACET].
- Evaluation of deep learning based algorithms in MRI image acceleration
Cooperations
Institute for Orthopaedics, Trauma Surgery, Radiotherapy, University Hospital Cologne
Cologne Center for Musculoskeletal Biomechanics (CCMB)
PhilipsProfound
Fervers P, Zaeske C, Rauen P, Iuga AI, Kottlors J, Persigehl T, Sonnabend K, Weiss K, Bratke G. Conventional and Deep-Learning-Based Image Reconstructions of Undersampled K-Space Data of the Lumbar Spine Using Compressed Sensing in MRI: A Comparative Study on 20 Subjects. Diagnostics (Basel). 2023 Jan 23;13(3):418. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics13030418.
Iuga AI, Rauen PS, Siedek F, Große-Hokamp N, Sonnabend K, Maintz D, Lennartz S, Bratke G. A deep learning-based reconstruction approach for accelerated magnetic resonance image of the knee with compressed sense: evaluation in healthy volunteers. Br J Radiol. 2023 Jun 1;96(1146):20220074. doi: 10.1259/bjr.20220074.
Przyklenk A, Hackl M, Iuga AI, Leschinger T, Maintz D, Harbrecht A, Müller LP, Wegmann K. Computed tomography-based angle measurements of the sagittal capitulum and trochlea position in relation to the humeral shaft. Surg Radiol Anat. 2023 May;45(5):571-580. doi: 10.1007/s00276-023-03118-7. Epub 2023 Mar 9.
Terzis R, Dratsch T, Hahnfeldt R, Basten L, Rauen P, Sonnabend K, Weiss K, Reimer R, Maintz D, Iuga AI, Bratke G. Five-minute knee MRI: An AI-based super resolution reconstruction approach for compressed sensing. A validation study on healthy volunteers. Eur J Radiol. 2024 Jun;175:111418. doi: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2024.111418.
Hahnfeldt R, Terzis R, Dratsch T, Basten LM, Rauen P, Oppermann J, Grevenstein D, Janßen JP, Zeid NEA, Sonnabend K, Katemann C, Skornitzke S, Maintz D, Kottlors J, Bratke G, Iuga AI. Is a 3-Minute Knee MRI Protocol Sufficient for Daily Clinical Practice? A SuperResolution Reconstruction Approach Using AI and Compressed Sensing. Diagnostics (Basel). 2025 May 9;15(10):1206. doi: 10.3390/diagnostics15101206.
Terzis R, Kaya K, Schömig T, Janssen JP, Iuga AI, Kottlors J, Lennartz S, Gietzen C, Gözdas C, Müller L, Hahnfeldt R, Maintz D, Dratsch T, Pennig L. GPT-4 for automated sequence-level determination of MRI protocols based on radiology request forms from clinical routine. Eur Radiol. 2025 Aug 8. doi: 10.1007/s00330-025-11888-4.
Dratsch T, Siedek F, Zäske C, Sonnabend K, Rauen P, Terzis R, Hahnfeldt R, Maintz D, Persigehl T, Bratke G, Iuga A. Reconstruction of shoulder MRI using deep learning and compressed sensing: a validation study on healthy volunteers. Eur Radiol Exp. 2023 Oct 26;7(1):66. doi: 10.1186/s41747-023-00377-2.
Bratke G, Willwacher S, Siedek F, Maintz D, Mählich D, Weiss K, Hickethier T, Brüggemann GP. Insights into extrinsic foot muscle activation during a 75 min run using T2 mapping. Sci Rep. 2021 Apr 1;11(1):7331.
Bratke G, Rau R, Kabbasch C, Zäske C, Maintz D, Haneder S, Große Hokamp N, Persigehl T, Siedek F, Weiss K. Speeding up the clinical routine: Compressed sensing for 2D imaging of lumbar spine disc herniation. Eur J Radiol. 2021 Jul;140:109738
Bratke G, Bruggemann GP, Willwacher S, Mählich D, Trudeau MB, Rohr E, Weir G, Maintz D, Hamill J. Does footwear affect articular cartilage volume change after a prolonged run? Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2020 Feb;30(2):332-338
Iuga AI, Abdullayev N, Weiss K, Haneder S, Brüggemann-Bratke L, Maintz D, Rau R, Bratke G. Accelerated MRI of the knee. Quality and efficiency of compressed sensing. Eur J Radiol. 2020 Nov;132:109273.
Bratke G, Rau R, Weiss K, Kabbasch C, Sircar K, Morelli JN, Persigehl T, Maintz D, Giese D, Haneder S. Accelerated MRI of the Lumbar Spine Using Compressed Sensing: Quality and Efficiency. J Magn Reson Imaging. 2019 Jun;49(7):e164-e175.
Further information
- Information on our areas of focus
- Technical details about the equipment at our institute
- Find out more about the clinical application of bone densitometry (DEXA) at our institute here
- Clinical application of HIFU in our HIFU center
- HIFU research in the Experimental Imaging Research Group