Vertebral fracture AI detection for better osteoporosis care (the VertAIdo-project)
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Region Östergötland - Medicinska och geriatriska akutkliniken, Linköpings Universitetssjukhus |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 500 000 |
| Project duration | September 2024 - September 2026 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Medtech4Health innovators |
| Call | Medtech4Health: Implementation of medical technology in healthcare in 2024 |
Purpose and goal
Aim: Investigate whether opportunistic AI screening (vertebral fractures) integrated with fracture liaison service leads to a higher number of correctly diagnosed and treated patients and whether it is health-economically beneficial compared to present care. Objectives include: Does an AI-support implemented in a clinical routine flow lead to a higher number of vertebral fractures being diagnosed, patients investigated and treated compared to ordinary work methods?
Expected effects and result
Hypothesis: Opportunistisk AI-detektion of vertebral fractures that is well integrated with the fracture chain will significantly increase the number of diagnosed and treated vertebral fractures and is cost-effective compared to current systems. Finding and treating these patients will lead to a lower risk of new serious osteoporosis fractures.
Planned approach and implementation
The study will compare 4 months of AI support implemented in a clinical fracture chain (intervention) compared to a historical cohort of the same time period the year before (control). The study cohort includes patients >50 years of age undergoing CT thorax and/or abdomen, regardless of cause. The actual prevalence of vertebral fractures on CT examinations is expected to be constant during this time.