System and method for predicting and diagnosing osteoporosis based on magnetic resonance imaging technology

Abstract

A computer-implemented system and method for predicting and diagnosing osteoporosis based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology are disclosed. In particular, the method of the present invention is a reliable, reproducible, and sensitive method for predicting or diagnosing osteoporosis from magnetic resonance imaging, independently of other standard techniques such as MOC, QCT, DXA, or clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis, by simply performing a simple and rapid statistical process, i.e., statistically correlating the recorded MRI of a subject with the recorded MRI of a reference group. In this regard, patients undergoing magnetic resonance imaging for reasons unrelated to osteoporosis can also receive diagnostic information about their medical status regarding osteoporosis, regardless of prior suspicion of osteoporotic lesions, without additional tests or examinations, and without the use of ionizing radiation. This is extremely valuable and desirable because this method makes it possible to identify patients at risk of osteoporosis or those whose condition has already progressed, despite the asymptomatic nature of osteoporosis. Furthermore, the entire method of the present invention is extremely convenient in that it does not incur additional costs for either the patient or the national healthcare system.

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