Medimaps Group Collaborates with National Spine Health Foundation to Advance AI-Based Bone Fragility Assessment in Spine Surgery

Medimaps Group announced a new clinical research partnership with the National Spine Health Foundation - a nonprofit organization dedicated to patient education, research, and advocacy.

The study, coordinated by NSHF and conducted at Mayo Clinic under the direction of Benjamin Elder, M.D., Ph.D., neurosurgeon and principal investigator, will evaluate the role of TBS Reveal for identifying spine surgery patients at elevated risk of intra- and post-operative bone fragility-related complications. The software uses standard preoperative X-rays and CT scans to derive Trabecular Bone Score and a Bone Fragility Index, offering an AI-enhanced assessment of bone quality.

Dr. Elder is a world recognized authority in spinal deformity, spinal oncology, and regenerative spine surgery. He directs Mayo Clinic’s Stem Cell Therapeutics and Tissue Engineering Lab, with a focus on advancing bone health in spinal care.

“Preoperative assessments of bone quality are critical for surgical planning and rehabilitation,” said Univ. Prof. Dr. Didier Hans, CEO and Co-founder of Medimaps Group. “Yet, bone fragility remains underdiagnosed in routine care. In this study, we will examine if TBS Reveal has the potential to fill this gap using widely available imaging and advanced AI interpretation. While originally developed as an opportunistic screening tool, this study will explore its potential role as a purposeful, on-demand assessment method in high-risk surgical populations such as those undergoing spine procedures.”

In the United States alone, over 1.2 million spine surgeries are performed each year. Published data indicate that up to 46% of spinal fusions and one-third of lumbar decompressions result in complications, many of which are associated with poor bone quality1-2.

This collaboration reflects Medimaps Group’s ongoing commitment to advancing bone health assessment through partnerships with leading academic and clinical institutions. By combining real-world data, AI-powered tools, and expert clinical insight, the company aims to improve surgical outcomes and support broader adoption of bone fragility assessment in musculoskeletal care.

Source: Medimaps Group media announcement