AI bone imaging enhances fracture detection in elderly

The tool, described in a new Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)-led study published in Bone, uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create super-resolution images showing the inner structures of bones in great detail to better determine risk for fracture.

SwRI found that in almost all cases, the super-resolution (SR)-enhanced images were more accurate than X-rays or CT scans in quantifying bone characteristics that are indicative of strength and fracture risk.

Osteoporotic fracture in the elderly is a widespread problem with half of women over 55 suffering some sort of fracture at some point. The International Osteoporosis Foundation estimates that 37 million fragility fractures occur annually in individuals aged over 55.
“Engineers and orthopaedic clinicians are trying to identify people at risk because there are interventions that can make bones stronger, but it's all about identifying who is at risk,” SwRI’s Dr Lance Frazer, the study’s lead author said in a statement. “Currently, the most common method to diagnose fracture risk is an X-ray or a CT scan, but the resolution of both imaging techniques is too low to really determine the structural strength of the bone.”