Artificial intelligence (AI) software developer Optasia Medical has installed its osteoporosis detection AI algorithm at several National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in the U.K.
The algorithm identifies vertebral fragility fractures on existing CT scans of the spine and flags the cases for review, according to the vendor. If the results are verified by a consultant radiologist, the scan is then returned to the hospital for further investigation. Two successful pilots have been carried out in collaboration with Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, resulting in the referral of 1,432 previously undiagnosed patients for further assessment and treatment, Optasia said.
The process was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Invention for Innovation program and developed by the University of Manchester and Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in collaboration with Optasia. Additional input was also provided by the Royal Osteoporosis Society.
