Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to aid opportunistic detection of vertebral fragility fractures: early value assessment

NICE has said that 5 artificial intelligence (AI) technologies can be used in the NHS. They can be used to help healthcare professionals detect a type of fracture in the spine (vertebral fragility fractures, VFFs) when the scan is being done for a different reason. This is known as opportunistic detection.

VFFs are a common type of fragility fracture. They happen when the spinal bones are weaker than normal. This is usually because of osteoporosis, which reduces bone density and strength.

The AI technologies are:

• BriefCase-Triage
• CINA-VCF Quantix
• HealthVCF
• HealthOST
• IB Lab FLAMINGO.

The NHS is collecting more evidence for these technologies. You might be asked if details of your fracture assessment can be collected as evidence. You can ask your healthcare professional about how your information will be stored and used.

NICE also looked at Annalise Enterprise CXR/Annalise Container CXR, BoneView and TechCare Spine. There is not enough evidence to recommend them for use in the NHS. So, they should only be used in research.

About the technologies

These AI technologies can help healthcare professionals detect VFFs on CT scans involving the spine that are done for unrelated conditions.

Detecting and treating VFFs early can reduce symptoms and the risk of future fractures. Preventing future fractures could reduce the demand on other services and save money elsewhere in the NHS.

Are these technologies right for me?

Your healthcare professionals should give you clear information, talk with you about your options and listen carefully to your views and concerns. Your family can be involved too, if you wish. See our webpage on shared decision making.

Questions to think about

• What happens if I do not want my scans to be checked for spinal fractures?
• How well do the technologies work compared with other assessments?
• What are the risks? How likely are they?
• How do I get my results? Will there be a follow-up appointment?
• How will my information be used, if it is collected?

Information and support

The NHS webpage on osteoporosis may be a good place to find out more.

Royal Osteoporosis Society (01761 471771) can give you advice and support.

You can also get support from your local Healthwatch.

NICE is not responsible for the quality or accuracy of any information or advice provided by these organisations.

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