A new collaboration involving AI is poised to enhance bone health assessments, improving outcomes and reducing complications in spine surgery.
Medimaps Group, a global leader in AI-driven bone microarchitecture imaging solutions, has launched a new clinical research partnership with the National Spine Health Foundation (NSHF) – a non-profit organisation in the US dedicated to patient education, research and advocacy.
The study, coordinated by the NSHF and conducted at the Mayo Clinic under the leadership of Benjamin Elder, a neurosurgeon and principal investigator, will assess the role of TBS Reveal in identifying patients undergoing spine surgery who are at a greater risk of intra- and post-operative bone fragility-related complications.
The software utilises standard preoperative X-rays and CT scans to derive the Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) and a Bone Fragility Index, offering an AI-enhanced assessment of bone quality.
Dr Elder, an authority in spinal deformity, spinal oncology and regenerative spine surgery, directs Mayo Clinic’s Stem Cell Therapeutics and Tissue Engineering Lab, with a focus on advancing bone health in spinal care.
Professor Dr Didier Hans, CEO and Co-founder of Medimaps Group, said: ‘Preoperative assessments of bone quality are critical for surgical planning and rehabilitation. Yet, bone fragility remains underdiagnosed in routine care. In this study, we will examine if TBS Reveal has the potential to fill this gap using widely available imaging and advanced AI interpretation. While originally developed as an opportunistic screening tool, this study will explore its potential role as a purposeful, on-demand assessment method in high-risk surgical populations such as those undergoing spine procedures.’
More than 1.2 million spine surgeries are performed in the US each year.
Published data indicate that up to 46% of spinal fusions and one-third of lumbar decompressions result in complications, many of which are associated with poor bone quality.
By integrating real-world data, AI-powered tools and expert clinical insights, the company aims to enhance surgical outcomes and promote the broader adoption of bone fragility assessment in musculoskeletal care.
