An algorithm that identifies bone fractures that a specialist misses with the naked eye | medical

The algorithm analyzed 600 recent X-rays. During this testing phase, at least seven fractures were discovered that were not noticed by specialists. “Our testing showed that BoneView is able to detect fractures that specialists cannot see with the naked eye,” says radiologist Eric Ranchart. By extending the study results to a full year, he adds, the hospital can detect 360 to 370 missing fractures each year. “This is an important number.”

However, according to Ranschaert, it is too early to allow the algorithm to analyze the X-rays on its own, without human intervention. After all, BoneView was missing three fractures that the radiologist had found. And so the algorithm remains a tool. It appears that “the final evaluation of the x-ray remains an important task of the specialist, who ultimately remains responsible”.

The program evaluates x-rays in three minutes. In most cases, BoneView can say with certainty whether a patient has a fracture or not, but the result can also be questionable. Then the algorithm places a dotted line where it suspects a fracture and the radiologist has to cut the node.