Revolutionary X-ray tech detects 'silent disease'

A medtech company is poised to revolutionise how osteoporosis is detected in the UK, offering a potential lifeline for millions at risk and significant cost savings for the NHS.

IBEX Innovations, based at NETPark, in Sedgefield, County Durham, has developed AI-powered software that can identify osteoporosis from routine wrist X-rays, helping spot the so-called ‘silent disease’ early and reduce fracture risk. 

Known as IBEX Bone Health (IBEX BH), the tool is being trialled at the Royal Cornwall Hospital on the outskirts of Truro, Cornwall, and is also being integrated into mammography screenings to target post-menopausal women.

Dr Sarah Jarvis MBE, renowned GP, medical broadcaster and chief medical advisor at IBEX Innovations, who was diagnosed with severe osteoporosis at the age of 60, said: “I’ve spent years warning my patients about the dangers of osteoporosis, yet the NHS’s approach remains grossly inadequate. 

“Many people are diagnosed only after experiencing one or more fractures, and access to essential diagnostic tools like DEXA scans is hampered by long waiting times that vary by region.

“The ideal would be to identify people at high risk before they ever have a fracture – but at the very least, we should be assessing everyone who has had a low impact fracture for their risk of osteoporosis through a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS). 

“Alarmingly, only half of NHS trusts offer this service. 

“This fragmented system urgently needs reform to prevent unnecessary suffering and healthcare costs.

“Early detection is critical – it can prevent fractures and give people the chance to take action before it’s too late.”

The firm’s recent study estimates that widespread use of the software could save the NHS nearly £66 million and prevent 4900 fractures over the next ten years. 

With 3.5 million people affected by the condition, medical experts say the technology promises a faster, more cost-effective approach to screening and diagnosis, freeing up thousands of hospital beds and improving patient outcomes nationwide.

Paul Scott, chief executive of IBEX Innovations, added: “Our software enables osteoporosis to be detected before a serious fracture occurs – giving people a crucial window to take action.

“The numbers speak for themselves: research shows that we could save the NHS £65.9 million over the next decade, prevent nearly 5000 fractures and free up more than 50,000 hospital bed days. 

“But this isn’t just about savings – it’s about preventing life-changing injuries before they occur.

“With powerful new treatments such as Abaloparatide now approved for use by the NHS, the challenge is now about finding these patients, ideally before they fracture. 

“This is where we believe IBEX BH can really make the difference.”

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