- Study conducted at Mayo Clinic under principal investigator Benjamin Elder, MD, PhD
- TBS Reveal™ uses AI to identify bone-fragility risk from routine X-rays already being taken — no new scan, no new visit
- In the US, over 1.2 million spine surgeries are performed annually, with complication rates of up to 46% — often associated with undetected bone fragility
Geneva, Switzerland — July 29, 2025
Medimaps — the creator of TBS® (Trabecular Bone Score®), the global standard in bone microarchitecture assessment — today announced a new clinical research partnership with the National Spine Health Foundation (NSHF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to patient education, research, and advocacy.
The study, coordinated by NSHF and conducted at Mayo Clinic under the direction of Benjamin Elder, MD, PhD, neurosurgeon and principal investigator, will evaluate the role of TBS Reveal™ in identifying spine surgery patients at elevated risk of intra- and post-operative bone fragility-related complications. The software uses standard preoperative X-rays and CT scans to derive Trabecular Bone Score® and a Bone Fragility Index, offering an AI-enhanced assessment of bone quality.
Dr. Elder is a globally recognized authority in spinal deformity, spinal oncology, and regenerative spine surgery. He directs Mayo Clinic’s Stem Cell Therapeutics and Tissue Engineering Lab, with a focus on advancing bone health in spinal care.
"Preoperative assessments of bone quality are critical for surgical planning and rehabilitation. Yet bone fragility remains underdiagnosed in routine care. In this study, we will examine whether TBS Reveal can help fill this gap using widely available imaging and advanced AI interpretation. While originally developed as an opportunistic screening tool, this study will explore its potential role as a purposeful, on-demand assessment method in high-risk surgical populations such as those undergoing spine procedures."
said Didier Hans, CEO and Co-founder of Medimaps.
In the United States alone, over 1.2 million spine surgeries are performed each year. Published data indicate that up to 46% of spinal fusions and one-third of lumbar decompressions result in complications, many of which are associated with poor bone quality.¹ ²
This collaboration reflects Medimaps Group’s ongoing commitment to advancing bone health assessment through partnerships with leading academic and clinical institutions. By combining real-world data, AI-powered tools, and expert clinical insight, the company aims to improve surgical outcomes and support broader adoption of bone fragility assessment in musculoskeletal care.
About the National Spine Health Foundation
The National Spine Health Foundation (NSHF), a 501(c)(3) public charity, is the only patient-centered nonprofit organization dedicated to helping patients across the spectrum of spine health challenges through patient education, advocacy, and clinical research.
References:
1. Alhaug, O.K., Dolatowski, F.C., Solberg, T.K. and Lønne, G. *Predictors for failure after surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis: a prospective observational study.* The Spine Journal, 2023. 23(2): p. 261–270.
2. Thomson, S. *Failed back surgery syndrome — definition, epidemiology and demographics.* British Journal of Pain, 2013. 7(1): p. 56–59.