New software could reduce hip fractures

Researchers at The University of Manchester in Great Britain are developing a software solution that has the potential to reduce hip fractures in older adults.

Working in conjunction with radiological imaging systems, the new software automatically searches medical images for tiny fractures in the spine, which often indicate the onset of osteoporosis.

"Vertebral fractures are an early sign of osteoporosis and indicate a patient is at significantly increased risk of future fractures and should be treated—but over half of these spine fractures go unnoticed by patients as they cause no symptoms and are under-diagnosed on medical images," Judith Adams, a radiologist and professor at The University of Manchester, said in a press release. "By identifying these fractures sooner we can refer patients for further assessment and treatment for osteoporosis and ultimately reduce the number of future fractures, including potentially fatal hip fractures."

 


Topics: Technology & IT