Moscow Deploys AI to Detect Hip Osteoarthritis via X-Ray Analysis

Moscow has taken a major step in healthcare innovation by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its medical imaging systems to detect hip osteoarthritis. This development marks the 41st clinical modality in which neural networks are actively assisting radiologists.

The announcement was made by Anastasia Rakova, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Social Development. According to her, the AI algorithm was developed and tested by experts at the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine. Following extensive validation, it is now operational within Moscow’s Unified Radiological Information Service (URIS).

“The algorithm automatically identifies potential indicators of osteoarthritis – such as joint space narrowing, bone thickening, and bone spurs – by highlighting the affected areas and making precise measurements,” Rakova explained. “Moscow now uses AI across 40 different clinical modalities. These technologies help speed up diagnosis, improve accuracy, and reduce the burden on radiologists.”

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic joint disease that causes cartilage breakdown and bone remodeling. While it is more common among older adults, it can also affect younger people. The new AI tool assists radiologists by identifying early signs of hip osteoarthritis, including joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis (bone thickening), and osteophyte (bone spur) formation. This leads to faster image interpretation, more accurate diagnoses, and earlier treatment decisions.

According to the Moscow Healthcare Department’s Chief Consultant for Radiology, Yuri Vasilev, “Accurate imaging is essential for staging hip osteoarthritis, which guides treatment options such as physical activity recommendations and medications. Common clinical signs include pain while walking and reduced joint movement.”

This AI initiative builds on five years of progress by Moscow in using computer vision across the healthcare system. Over 200 AI services have been evaluated, with around 100 algorithms integrated into the URIS-UMIAS system. Today, about 50 AI tools are actively analyzing medical images in real time, improving diagnostic efficiency and accuracy across 40 modalities.

This project is a joint effort by the Moscow Social Development Complex, the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, and the Department of Information Technology. It reflects Moscow’s ongoing commitment to harnessing AI to enhance patient care.

This information has been officially shared by the Press Office of the Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine, under the Moscow Health Department.