Please note that the English version of this text has been prepared with the assistance of AI, and in some instances, it may not have been subsequently reviewed or edited by the authors.
To assess the quality of bone and muscle tissue, Latvian scientists are developing portable ultrasound measurement set (BoMUS), which allows obtaining information about bone and muscle structure in a non-invasive way. The technology is being improved within “BioPhoT” frames.
The system is designed for the non-invasive evaluation of bone and muscle tissue quality. The BoMUS system combines dual-mode ultrasound probing and artificial intelligence algorithms to determine key indicators of bone and muscle structure. In bones, it is intended to determine cortical thickness and intracortical porosity, while in muscles, intermuscular adipose tissue content.
During the project implementation, hardware optimization, development of acquisition and preprocessing software, extraction of artificial intelligence features, and system validation in phantoms and biological samples are planned. Likewise, documentation, dissemination, and pre-marketing activities will be carried out to better understand the needs of potential customers, establish a business model, and survey stakeholders.
The BoMUS system is a compact, laptop-driven device designed for various population groups, including the elderly, postmenopausal women, athletes, rehabilitation groups, and diabetes patients. Operating without ionizing radiation, this portable and non-invasive ultrasound system simultaneously provides quantitative measurements of cortical bone porosity and muscle fat content. This dual capability allows clinicians at the point of care to detect early signs of bone degradation and muscle fat infiltration, which are critical for diagnosing osteosarcopenia. Regular measurements with this system allow for personalized clinical interventions, such as targeted exercises and tailored dietary adjustments, to effectively mitigate the risk of falls and fractures.
Portable ultrasonography provides an easily accessible and radiation-free method that allows simultaneous evaluation and monitoring of bone quality in osteoporosis and intramuscular adipose tissue in sarcopenia. This dual capability allows clinicians to detect early muscle and fat infiltration as well as deterioration of bone structure, which is essential for diagnosing osteosarcopenia—a dangerous combination of both conditions. By providing the ability to perform frequent measurements at the point of care, this method helps personalize interventions such as targeted exercise and nutritional correction to prevent falls and fractures.
Portable ultrasonography is a cost-effective, radiation-free, point-of-care alternative to DXA and MRI examinations, making it an ideal solution for frequent monitoring in any setting. Unlike DXA, which uses ionizing radiation, or MRI, which is expensive and not portable, ultrasound equipment can be easily brought directly to patients with limited mobility or the elderly. This allows for real-time and convenient monitoring of bone quality and muscle tissue fat infiltration, avoiding the appointment delays or high costs characteristic of traditional diagnostic imaging.
During the BoMUS-2 project, special attention will be paid not only to improving the technology itself, but also to exploring the needs of potential users and pre-marketing activities.
The objective of the project is to increase the technological readiness level of the portable ultrasound measurement system from TRL3 to TRL4. This implies the validation of the technology in laboratory conditions using tissue models and biological samples. At the same time, the system is being prepared for the transition to studies involving human participation in order to reach TRL5–6 in the next stages of the BioPhot program or through alternative funding sources.
The technology foreseen in the project also provides environmental benefits – its operation does not require radiation, it has low energy consumption, and recyclable components are planned in the system, thereby supporting the goals of the Green Deal and European Union sustainability.
