AI software to replace costly DEXA scans using standard X‑rays in Raipur

Six premier research institutes across India have joined forces to create an artificial‑intelligence software that analyses ordinary X‑ray films for signs of low bone mineral density. The initiative, coordinated from Raipur, seeks to offer a low‑cost alternative to dual‑energy X‑ray absorptiometry (DEXA), which is currently the gold standard for diagnosing osteoporosis but remains expensive and less accessible in many parts of the country.

The AI model will be trained on a large dataset of paired X‑ray and DEXA images, enabling it to learn patterns that correlate radiographic appearance with bone health. Once validated, clinicians could use a standard radiograph—already common in routine examinations—to screen patients for bone weakness, streamlining early detection and treatment decisions.

If successful, the technology could expand osteoporosis screening to primary‑care settings, especially in rural and underserved areas where DEXA machines are scarce. The consortium plans to complete prototype testing within the next year before seeking regulatory clearance and wider deployment.