NTU Hospital Yunlin uses AI to detect osteoporosis from X-rays

A research team from National Taiwan University Hospital Yunlin Branch has successfully utilized artificial intelligence to estimate bone mineral density and predict fracture risks using standard X-ray images. By combining local clinical data with DeepXray Spina, an AI software developed by Taiwan-based Alpha Intelligence Manifolds, the study achieved over 90% accuracy in identifying osteoporosis.

The research, which tracked 540 subjects over an average of 6.4 years, demonstrated that AI-estimated bone density closely aligns with results from the gold-standard Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans. This technology allows existing X-rays, originally intended for other diagnostic purposes, to serve as a preventative screening tool for bone health.

The findings have gained international recognition, including an oral presentation and a Best Young Scholar Research Award at a global conference in Prague. Additionally, the DeepXray Spina software has received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance, marking a significant milestone for Taiwan's medical AI technology in the global market.