DI centres using AI-based osteoporosis screening from 16Bit

TORONTO – Lighthouse Medical Imaging (LMI) is one of a growing number of imaging facilities that are adopting a proactive, AI-based screening system for osteoporosis. LMI is using a solution from Toronto-based medical device company 16 Bit, which was founded by two radiologists.

When patients go to LMI for an x-ray, the radiologist reads the x-ray and writes a report. Now, the x-ray will additionally and automatically be screened by Rho, an artificial intelligence-based algorithm that assesses risk of low bone density from the image, a task that may be challenging for the human eye to perform.

The radiologist reading the x-ray is alerted if Rho determines that the patient has increased risk for low bone density and can add this finding to their report; the referring clinician is thus prompted to conduct a fracture risk assessment with their patient.

There is no cost to the patient or to OHIP for this additional assessment. 16 Bit believes that by proactively identifying fracture risk and initiating preventive or treatment measures as appropriate, osteoporosis care can be improved.

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become brittle, which can increase a person’s likelihood of a fragility fracture. Such a fracture is often the trigger for a reactive assessment for osteoporosis, and likely occurs when bone loss is likely well under way.

For co-founders and co-CEOs of 16 Bit, Drs. Mark Cicero (pictured on left) and Alexander Bilbily (pictured on right), bringing this software to imaging clinics has been a multi-year journey.

“We’re really excited to see how widespread adoption will help improve screening of osteoporosis. We’re delighted that Lighthouse Medical Imaging has adopted Rho for their patients in the GTA, and believe it will greatly complement LMI’s OAR CBMD-accredited bone mineral density services,” said Dr. Bilbily.

Dr. Veera Bharatwal, co-owner and medical director at LMI is optimistic that Rho will make a difference, too. “By using Rho as a way to flag patients at potential risk of osteoporosis, we hope to aid in the proactive management of a disease which can increase the patient risk of fracture, which has the potential to significantly affect patient well-being and health outcomes.”

About Lighthouse Medical Imaging
Lighthouse Medical Imaging offers comprehensive diagnostic medical imaging at three locations in the Greater Toronto Area.

About 16 Bit
16 Bit is focused on revolutionizing healthcare using artificial intelligence-based tools. Their dedicated team of radiologists, machine learning engineers and researchers are driven by a mission to significantly enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare for all. 16 Bit has been a proud benefactor of Canada’s thriving healthcare technology ecosystem through support from the CAN Health Network and INOVAIT.