21 March 2025

MTEC Research Award Announced for Innovative Knee Assessment Study in Military Personnel

Geneva associate investigator COL (Ret), Don Goss, DPT, PhD, USA, was awarded a Medical Technology Enterprise Consortium (MTEC) Other Transaction Agreement Ato lead a pioneering multi-site, randomized controlled clinical trial aimed at revolutionizing the diagnosis and treatment of knee injuries among military personnel, supported by the Musculoskeletal Injury Rehabilitation Research for Operational Readiness (MIRROR) program. The study titled “Objective Dynamic and 3D Knee Assessment Medical Device to Improve Recovery and Accelerate Return to Readiness in Members with Knee Pain” officially began participant enrollment at Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC) at Fort Liberty in North Carolina. Enrollment will also occur at Tripler Army Medical Center (TAMC) in Honolulu, HI, under the oversight and leadership of Geneva investigator Dan Rhon PT, DSc, PhD.

 

About the Study

The study represents a collaborative effort with Emovi^® Inc., a medical technology innovator based in Quebec, Canada. The research centers on the KneeKG^® System, an FDA 510k cleared Class II medical device that accurately measures 3D movement to assess knee function dynamically. Developed using AI, the KneeKG The study’s primary goal is to evaluate whether using the KneeKG^® System can improve treatment outcomes for service members experiencing patellofemoral pain (PFP) compared to traditional diagnostic and treatment methods that rely on static imaging such as X-rays or MRIs.

Dr. Goss has expressed optimism that this study’s findings could transform how knee pain is managed in the military, enhancing recovery times and overall readiness for thousands of service members.

 

Study Impact

Military personnel face a high incidence of knee injuries, with running and other training activities accounting for a significant number of cases. The KneeKG^® System offers an innovative solution, providing clinicians with actionable data on knee mechanics and functions to guide personalized treatment strategies.

This study has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of knee injuries in military personnel by introducing personalized, data-driven approaches that improve recovery outcomes and readiness for thousands of active-duty service members and veterans.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Dr. Goss and his research team, enrollment has officially commenced at WAMC, representing a significant milestone in this pivotal research.

 

MIRROR Impact

The MIRROR program spearheads critical research through more than 40 studies within the Military Health System (MHS), addressing musculoskeletal injury care and targeted anatomical interventions. These efforts include epidemiological research, investigator-initiated pilots, and multi-site clinical trials, focusing on building robust research, education, and training infrastructures. By fostering collaborative partnerships and pursuing innovative studies, MIRROR advances clinical practice guidelines, accelerates recovery, restores operational readiness, and improves service members’ long-term quality of life—delivering exceptional care both in the field and beyond.

 

The Geneva Advantage

Geneva proudly supports the MIRROR program and provides essential research and operational expertise to drive its success. Through comprehensive services spanning project management, data analysis, and regulatory oversight, Geneva facilitates the seamless execution of more than 40 clinically impactful musculoskeletal injury studies within the MHS, driving advancements in care and readiness.

 

About The Geneva Foundation

Geneva advances operationally relevant, military-unique research aligned with DoD requirements to ensure mission success. We accelerate military medical R&D to deliver deployable solutions that enhance the health, readiness, and capabilities of service members and the communities they serve. With deep expertise in research operations, government contracting, strategic collaborations, and commercialization, Geneva ensures successful research outcomes and remains a committed strategic partner in advancing military medicine.

 

Disclaimer

“The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the U.S. Government.”