The Arthritis Foundation Flagship Initiative in Osteoarthritis is soliciting applications for a Proof of Feasibility Study.  The aim is to demonstrate the ability of a multi-institutional consortium to consistently assess the cartilage matrix of knees with acute ACL injuries using MRI and biochemical measures. The proposed approach must assess the usefulness of selected imaging technologies that can be applied for evaluation of patients within 10 days of an initial ACL tear and at selected time intervals thereafter. Plans to collect biosamples, including blood, urine and synovial fluid, suitable for assessing cartilage metabolism at selected time intervals following the injury must be included. The injured joint must be fully assessed arthroscopically at the time of any reconstructive surgery. The overall goal of this feasibility trial is to provide a foundation for future multicenter clinical trials of compounds potentially useful in treating acute joint trauma, and early osteoarthritis (OA). Proposals must be submitted on or before April 15, 2013. For full information click here: http://www.arthritis.org/research/for-researchers/funding-opportunities/