Researchers from the Universities of Manchester and Liverpool, in collaboration with Manchester Imaging Ltd, have secured a £1.2 million grant from the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s (NIHR) ‘Invention for Innovation’ (i4i) programme. This funding is earmarked for the development of an automatic system designed to measure hip displacement in patients with cerebral palsy, a condition that significantly impacts children worldwide.
The announcement comes as a significant step forward in leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance healthcare delivery. “AI will revolutionise the care we provide, enhance diagnostics and care pathways and free up time for our clinicians to do what they do best: caring for our children and young people,” stated Professor Daniel Perry, a lead clinician and surgeon at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust. “This is a great example – a practical tool directly focused on better care for children with cerebral palsy.”
Understanding the Challenge of Hip Dislocation in Cerebral Palsy
Children with cerebral palsy are at a heightened risk of developing hip problems, where the ball of the hip moves out of the socket. This displacement can lead to severe pain, difficulties in sitting, and challenges with personal care. Regular X-ray measurements and timely interventions are crucial to preventing dislocation.
The new system, developed in conjunction with clinicians at Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, aims to integrate into the Cerebral Palsy Integrated Pathway (CPIP). CPIP is the national framework used to monitor the musculoskeletal systems of children with cerebral palsy, involving regular assessments, physical examinations, and hip X-rays.
Addressing Regional Disparities in Care
Despite CPIP’s importance, its implementation is not uniform across the UK, leading to disparities in care quality. The process demands significant clinician time and resources, often limiting its uptake in resource-constrained regions. The new AI tool seeks to mitigate these challenges by automating hip X-ray interpretation, data capture, and monitoring, thus enabling early detection and intervention.
“This project demonstrates the NIHR’s commitment to transforming healthcare for all of society, adults and children,”
said Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR Scientific Director for Innovation. “Tools like this automatic AI system have real potential to reduce waiting lists, improve long-term outcomes for children with cerebral palsy, and help clinicians make better decisions at earlier stages of care.”
The Role of AI in Standardizing Care
Dr. Claudia Lindner, a co-leader of the project, emphasized the software’s potential for ensuring prompt and consistent diagnoses. “We want to make sure that every child with cerebral palsy in the UK receives the same high level of care,” she stated. The AI algorithm, trained on thousands of X-ray images, can automatically locate hip bone outlines and detect early signs of dislocation.
Manchester Imaging Ltd plans to integrate this AI algorithm into a medical device for hospital use, simplifying the process for clinicians. This device will monitor hip movement, identify areas of concern, and flag potential issues for preventative intervention.
According to Professor Timothy Cootes, another researcher involved, “We hope that by automating this process, we can standardise our level of care across the board, and ensure that the CPIP can be fully integrated throughout the NHS.”
Implications for Future Research and Care
The integration of this tool into the national CPIP database will facilitate new research opportunities, enhancing understanding of cerebral palsy and the benefits of consistent monitoring. Dr. Steve Cooke, national orthopaedic lead for CPIP, highlighted the potential for groundbreaking research with nearly 14,000 children on CPIP. “An accurate, streamlined tool that automates what is currently a labour-intensive task will transform the way we monitor the hip in children with cerebral palsy,” he remarked.
Dr. Tom Williams, Chief Technical Officer at Manchester Imaging Ltd, expressed excitement about the collaboration. “We look forward to bringing our expertise in translating leading-edge AI algorithms into devices that directly benefit patients, ensuring real-world impact from cutting-edge research,” he commented.
This development represents a pivotal moment in the use of AI to enhance healthcare outcomes, promising a future where children with cerebral palsy receive timely and equitable care across the UK.
