700446Osteodent: Proof of MarketClosedGRD Proof of MarketInnovate UKWe wish to investigate the commercial viability of the idea for a new product, ‘OSTEODENT’, enabling the early detection of osteoporosis from dental radiographs and clinical risk factors. The impact of OSTEODENT in reducing the health burden of osteoporosis could be significant if it is used to detect early signs of osteoporosis and allow preventative treatment to be implemented. Currently if an elderly woman has a hip fracture there is an increased risk of mortality; it is fatal in 20% of cases and permanently disables 50%. The National Osteoporosis Society estimates that around 1,150 people die every month in the UK as a result of hip fractures. In addition, hip fracture almost always involves surgery and post-operative physiotherapy. Some people do not achieve the previous level of mobility and are unable to live at home. Manchester imaging’s approach meets a diagnostic gap; using X-ray images acquired during dental examination, it identifies individuals with low bone mineral density that have not presented or been identified in primary care. The company believes that this will lead to fewer patients receiving an after-fracture diagnosis, and will pick up sufferers at an earlier stage where intervention is more effective and economical.