Osteoporosis, a condition that affects millions worldwide, is often underdiagnosed and undertreated, leading to serious health complications. Every year, it results in approximately 37 million fractures, costing healthcare systems billions. Recognizing the urgency of early detection, the OsteoSight project is dedicated to improving the identification of individuals at risk of low bone mineral density (BMD) through innovative technology.
The primary objective of OsteoSight is to assess its accuracy in detecting low BMD compared to the established gold standard, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The study will analyze up to 2,500 hip and pelvic X-ray images taken within a year of a DEXA scan, aiming to identify any potential biases in the machine learning model used and explore the causes of any failed image processing.
By leveraging standard imaging techniques, the project hopes to facilitate earlier interventions before fractures occur.
Collaboration with patients is a crucial aspect of the study. The research team will engage with a dedicated group of patients at the University of Iowa to gain insights into their experiences with osteoporosis, thereby enhancing the project’s relevance and impact.
John Connell, principal scientist at Native Technologies, expresses excitement about the collaboration, stating that their shared goal is to make early detection more accessible, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life. With OsteoSight, there is hope for transforming osteoporosis screening and management, paving the way for timely interventions that can significantly alter patient trajectories.
Article written by MedTech News
26/09/2024
Source:
MedTech News
https://www.med-technews.com/news/latest-medtech-news/university-of-iowa-health-care-and-naitive-announce-project-/