Cambridge Memorial Hospital in Ontario, Canada, has partnered with 16 Bit to implement an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tool called Rho.

The hospital is said to be the first in Ontario to adopt the solution for clinical use.

This Health Canada-approved system leverages AI to analyse routine X-rays in patients aged 50 and above for low BMD.

When low BMD is detected, the tool flags the X-ray for further review, aiding radiologists in identifying this condition earlier.

This early detection is aimed at facilitating timely preventive measures and treatments.

Rho aims to address the prevalence of low BMD, including osteopenia and osteoporosis, by identifying patients who may benefit from more specialised tests for bone density during routine X-ray exams. It can analyse 80% of all X-rays conducted.

The solution is said to be gaining popularity among independent healthcare facilities across Canada.

Rho has screened over 50,000 patients within its first year on the market, with a target of screening one million patients by the end of 2024.

Cambridge Memorial Hospital diagnostic imaging chief Dr Winnie Lee said: “Rho is a tool that will bring care closer to home and makes this advanced technology accessible to people in Cambridge, North Dumfries, and the Region of Waterloo.

“Good bone health contributes to overall quality of life. By acting early, we can help patients at risk of osteopenia lead full lives and avoid some of the fractures that might bring them to the hospital.”