Atlas-based machine learning for bone age assessment in children
Official title: Atlas-based Machine Learning for Pediatric Bone Age Assessment
Funded at University of Miami Coral Gables · NIH-11372619 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric-focused AI tool uses left-hand X-ray images to estimate bone age more accurately across diverse children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami Coral Gables NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $395,006 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD119531-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11372619 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children whose bone age assessment is needed as part of routine pediatric care.
✕Less likely to help
Children who do not require bone age assessment or whose X-ray data cannot be used by the AI system.
What this research studies
This project will develop an AI system that reads hand and wrist X-rays to estimate bone age in children, aiming to reduce variability between doctors and improve accuracy for all racial groups. It builds on existing atlas-based methods but uses machine learning to learn from diverse data. The work is designed to be used in pediatrics and pediatric endocrinology to support diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the tool could provide more consistent bone age estimates across different populations and reduce misinterpretation due to atlas biases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous atlas-based methods have shown promise, and AI-enhanced approaches aim to improve consistency and accuracy across diverse groups.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami Coral Gables
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Liang — University of Miami Coral Gables
- Study coordinator: Liang, Liang
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.