Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Moscow has introduced a new artificial intelligence service to its healthcare system to detect signs of hip osteoarthritis in medical images, making it the 41st modality in which neural networks are helping radiologists, said Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development.
The artificial intelligence algorithm developed by specialists at the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine has undergone thorough testing and is now integrated into the Unified Radiological Information Service (ERIS). “The algorithm automatically identifies potential signs of osteoarthritis – narrowing of the joint space, thickening of the bone, bone spurs, highlighting the affected areas and taking precise measurements,” she said.
“Currently, artificial intelligence is used in 40 clinical modalities in Moscow. These innovations speed up diagnostics, increase accuracy and reduce the workload of radiologists.”
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease characterized by progressive cartilage degradation and bone remodeling. It is common among older people, but can occur at any age. A new artificial intelligence service deployed in Moscow helps radiologists identify key signs of hip OA, including joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis (bone thickening), and osteophyte formation. Such automation reduces the time it takes to interpret images, improves diagnostic accuracy, and allows for earlier therapeutic intervention.
“The AI service improves the efficiency of early detection of hip arthrosis, which allows for timely initiation of treatment and improved patient outcomes.”
Yuri Vasiliev, chief consultant in radiology at the Moscow Department of Health, emphasized the clinical effect: “Accurate imaging assessment of hip osteoarthritis allows us to accurately determine the stage of hip OA and justify treatment strategies, such as recommendations for activity and pharmacotherapy. The main clinical signs of osteoarthritis include pain when moving and decreased range of motion in the affected joints.”
The introduction of AI is the result of Moscow’s five-year efforts to introduce computer vision into healthcare. More than 200 AI services have been tested, and about 100 algorithms have been included in the URIS UMIAS system. Currently, about 50 AI tools analyze medical images in real time, increasing the speed and quality of diagnostics in 40 clinical areas.
The project is a joint effort between the Moscow Social Development Complex, the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, and the city’s Department of Information Technology, highlighting Moscow’s commitment to using artificial intelligence to improve healthcare.