DeepDXA: Software Infrastructure for AI-Driven Global Aging Research and Fracture Risk Assessment from Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry
Principal Investigators
Dr. Denise Orwig, Professor, UMB School of Medicine
Dr. Francisco Siles Canales, Professor and Director, UCR Human Movement Sciences Research Center
Osteoporosis and bone fractures caused by weakened bones are a major health concern for older adults around the world. These conditions can make everyday activities more difficult, reduce a person's independence, and increase the risk of serious health complications and death. Doctors commonly use a scan called Dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) to measure bone strength. However, the results are often summarized using simple scores that may not capture important details about changes in bone structure or areas where bone loss is occurring. The DeepDXA project brings together researchers and healthcare experts from the University of Costa Rica and the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Their goal is to create secure software and computing tools that use artificial intelligence to help healthcare providers better understand DXA scan results. By making these tools transparent and easy to interpret, the project aims to support earlier detection of bone health problems and improve care for older adults at risk of osteoporosis and fractures.