KneeMRI-MAI™
Multimodal AI for structural–functional osteoarthritis intelligence.
KneeMRI-MAI™ is a strategic AI programme led by MSK Doctors & Associates in collaboration with the University of Exeter, designed to integrate automated MRI interpretation with advanced motion-derived biomarkers into a unified clinical decision-support system.
The programme was formally developed and submitted through the NIHR i4i pathway and continues to progress within our active innovation pipeline.
The Problem
Knee osteoarthritis is typically diagnosed late.
Conventional pathways rely on
- X-ray evidence of advanced degeneration
- Subjective clinical reporting
- Manually interpreted MRI scans
- Fragmented structural and functional assessment
MRI remains the gold standard for visualising cartilage and soft tissue — yet it is
- Static
- Expensive
- Resource-limited
- Lacking functional interpretation
Meanwhile, movement analysis systems assess biomechanics but provide no insight into internal joint integrity.
There is currently no integrated system that correlates anatomical degeneration with dynamic joint behaviour.
The Innovation
Bridging the structural–functional divide.
Deep-learning MRI segmentation models
Validated to state-of-the-art performance.
Automated cartilage and meniscal biomarkers
Extracted automatically rather than read by hand.
Markerless 3D motion capture via MAI Motion
Movement measured without markers or laboratory hardware.
Multimodal AI correlation
Linking imaging features with biomechanical signatures.
Developed Jointly With AI Researchers at the University of Exeter
The programme advances beyond isolated imaging or motion tools by creating a multimodal intelligence layer capable of:
- Identifying subtle degenerative patterns earlier
- Quantifying functional compensation
- Generating interpretable decision-support outputs
- Enabling repeatable, non-invasive longitudinal monitoring
Academic Partner
This is not simply digitised imaging.
It is computationally integrated joint intelligence.
Feasibility demonstrated
at TRL4.
A working prototype has already demonstrated feasibility at TRL4, including automated MRI biomarker generation and motion correlation modelling.
The collaboration between MSK Doctors and the University of Exeter continues to deepen computational capability, clinical interpretability, and translational direction.
Ongoing Development Focuses On
Scaling multimodal datasets
Refining AI model accuracy and bias mitigation
Advancing toward regulatory readiness (Class IIa medical device pathway)
Strengthening NHS integration pathways
Expanding applicability beyond knee osteoarthritis
KneeMRI-MAI™ represents a long-term architectural component within our broader AI-enabled musculoskeletal ecosystem — not a standalone proposal.
Positioning
KneeMRI-MAI™ is a strategic AI programme developed by MSK Doctors in collaboration with the University of Exeter, formally submitted through the NIHR i4i pathway and continuing to evolve within our active innovation roadmap.
Academic & Clinical Collaboration
We are actively seeking strategic partners and academic consortiums to accelerate these programmes towards clinical reality.