Moscow integrates AI for enhanced hip osteoarthritis detection

RUSSIA— Moscow has integrated a new artificial intelligence (AI) service into its healthcare system to improve the detection of hip osteoarthritis (OA) through medical imaging.

This marks the 41st clinical area where AI assists radiologists in diagnosing diseases, enhancing both speed and accuracy.

The announcement was made by Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.

Developed by experts at the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, the AI algorithm has undergone extensive testing and is now part of the Unified Radiological Information Service (URIS).

The system automatically identifies key signs of hip osteoarthritis on X-rays, such as joint space narrowing, bone thickening (subchondral sclerosis), and bone spurs (osteophytes).

It highlights affected areas and performs precise measurements, helping radiologists make faster and more accurate diagnoses.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint disease characterized by the gradual breakdown of cartilage and changes in bone structure.

While it is more common in older adults, it can affect people of any age.

Early detection is crucial for effective treatment, and this AI tool aids in identifying OA at earlier stages, enabling timely therapeutic intervention and better patient outcomes.

 Yuri Vasilev, Moscow’s Chief Consultant for Radiology, emphasized that accurate imaging helps determine the stage of hip OA, guiding treatment plans that may include activity modifications and medication.

Common symptoms include joint pain during movement and reduced mobility.

This AI deployment builds on Moscow’s five years of pioneering work in integrating computer vision into healthcare.

Over 200 AI services have been tested, with about 100 algorithms incorporated into the URIS system.

Currently, around 50 AI tools analyze medical images in real-time across 40 clinical modalities, improving diagnostic efficiency and quality.

These innovations significantly reduce radiologists’ workload while accelerating diagnosis.

The project is a collaboration between the Moscow Social Development Complex, the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, and the city’s Department of Information Technology.

It reflects Moscow’s ongoing commitment to leveraging AI to enhance medical care for its residents.

The city has also developed a full-cycle AI platform to create, test, and deploy AI models independently, supporting various healthcare applications including diagnostic assistance and patient data analysis.

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