Osteoporosis is a widespread and growing public health challenge. It affects roughly 50% of women and 25% of men at some point in their lives and after strokes, it is the leading cause of hospital stays in Norway. Currently, the disease is most often diagnosed only after a fracture has occurred. However, when identified early, even small lifestyle adjustments can significantly improve bone health and reduce the risk of fractures. Boneprox offers a patented solution that leverages AI-driven automatic classification of dental X-rays to assess bone density, using the same X-rays already taken during routine dental examinations.
Boneprox set out to develop an online analysis platform that enables dentists to provide additional diagnostic services to their patients. Research shows a strong correlation between jawbone health and overall bone health. By analyzing dental X-rays, the platform measures the amount of air within the jawbone. Elevated air levels indicate reduced bone density, which can be an early warning sign of brittle bones.
"Osteoporosis can be prevented."
- Anton Kärrbrink, Boneprox
CGI’s role
Boneprox required a full-service IT partner capable of developing, managing, and operating a secure, user-friendly web portal with integrated image processing and case management functionality. The objective of the project was to quickly deliver a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) that could be introduced to end users without delay. To achieve this, the project was carried out with close collaboration between Boneprox and CGI, following an agile methodology to ensure flexibility and speed.
As Boneprox’s IT supplier, CGI assumed project management responsibility and delivered expertise across the following areas:
- 1. Specifying and delivering cloud-based infrastructure
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CGI provided Microsoft Azure cloud services and hosted the Boneprox portal solution. While cloud-based infrastructure offers flexibility and scalability, it requires the same level of monitoring and maintenance as traditional on-premise systems. To address this, CGI established a proactive service that continuously monitors critical server components, enabling early detection of potential issues. In addition, CGI ensured that security updates were applied promptly and that backups were performed reliably in alignment with agreed standards.
- 2. Providing risk assessments and approval measures under the security standard
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CGI's security architect conducted a comprehensive risk assessment in line with the Norwegian Health Network's requirements. The process included developing a detailed solution model, defining a threat landscape, facilitating workshops to identify potential risk factors and recommending mitigation measures. The findings were compiled into a formal report, submitted as part of the documentation package to the Norwegian Health Network. As a result, Boneprox's service is now fully approved and offered through the Norwegian Health Network.
- 3. Developing an analysis platform based on machine learning
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The solution developed by CGI is fully integrated with Boneprox's proprietary, patented algorithm, enabling automated recognition of the region of interest (ROI), ensuring that X-ray images are captured in the correct area for accurate analysis.
- 4. Designing UX/UI
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In close collaboration with Boneprox, Inventas, CGI's design agency, led the design and interaction design of the portal. Extensive user testing was carried out to ensure the result was both user-friendly and highly effective in meeting the needs of dentists and patients alike.
- 5. Developing a web portal for dentists and specialists
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CGI has been responsible for developing both the frontend and backend of the solution. The portal is based on CGI's proprietary iKnowBase software and leverages modern technologies such as React and Java to deliver a user-friendly platform.
- 6. Facilitating management and further development
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CGI managed the portal and was responsible for its ongoing development. A formal agreement ensured that errors and other inquiries were handled through CGI's dedicated service desk, providing Boneprox with reliable support and continuous improvement of the solution.
Specialist service
CGI has also developed the specialist service, an extension of the Boneprox solution that broadens the service portfolio. This functionality allows dentists to create consultation cases and receive support from specialists across different medical fields.
The process is straightforward: the dentist uploads X-ray images to the secure portal, which are then forwarded to a specialist for further analysis. In this setup, an expert works “behind the scenes” to review and interpret the images. If the analysis indicates potential concerns, the patient should be referred to a doctor for further evaluation.
Dentists already have strong expertise in assessing bone structures using intraoral and panoramic X-rays, supported by years of research on jawbone health. In this service, the dentist does not provide a medical diagnosis or treatment plan. Instead, they issue an informed statement based on the X-ray image and the patient's short medical history.
It is important to note that this service is not a replacement for consultation, examination, or treatment by a physician. A positive analysis result should be considered as a recommendation for further medical investigation.
