Advancing FAI Surgery Outcomes through AI-based Radiomics Analysis of Hip MRI

Specialised Academic Foundation Year 1 Doctor, Dr Hariharan Subbiah Ponniah, was awarded 3^rd place for the Joint OBB Fund 2023, winning £600 worth of seed funding for research into Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) at Imperial College School of Medicine. The OBB Fund aims to encourage medical students and foundation year doctors to become future leaders in MSK research by delivering seed funding for short clinical or laboratory research projects hosted by universities, hospitals or hospital trusts.

Which aspect of MSK health are you addressing?

“Our research looks into Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI). FAI manifests as abnormal contact between the femur and acetabulum within the hip joint, resulting in debilitating symptoms such as persistent hip pain and restricted movement. Particularly impactful in the lives of active, young adults, FAI can significantly impair daily activities, sports participation, and overall quality of life. Our research aims to enhance our understanding of FAI, ultimately aiming to alleviate its burden and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.”

How does your research aim to address this area?

“To tackle this challenge, we’re utilizing advanced imaging techniques, specifically AI-based Radiomics analysis of hip MRI data. This involves closely examining MRI scans to understand the intricacies of bone shapes and tissue characteristics associated with FAI. By doing so, we aim to significantly improve preoperative assessments, enabling us to detect subtle indicators of FAI more accurately. This, in turn, will enhance our ability to predict patient outcomes after surgery, leading to more tailored and effective treatments.”

How will funding you receive support you in your research?

“The funding will primarily cover essential software tools and cloud space needed for our research. These resources are crucial for conducting AI-based Radiomics analysis of hip MRI data efficiently. With this support, we can optimize our workflow, enhance data processing capabilities, and accelerate progress towards understanding and addressing FAI.”