MURDOCK

About

MURDOCK is a research project focused on developing innovative methods for monitoring and predicting bone healing. By combining biomarkers, radiological data, and artificial intelligence, the project aims to assess healing processes following bone fractures more accurately and identify complications at an early stage. Through the integration of clinical data with advanced analytical methods, MURDOCK lays the foundation for personalized diagnostics and treatment of fracture healing disorders.

Opportunity

Bone fractures are among the most common causes of hospital admissions in Germany. While most fractures heal without complications, a proportion of patients experience impaired healing, including the development of pseudoarthrosis—a chronic non-union of the bone. This condition is often associated with pain, reduced mobility, additional surgical interventions, and significant healthcare costs.

Currently, bone healing is primarily assessed using radiological examinations such as X-ray imaging. However, these methods often provide only qualitative and subjective evaluations of the healing process. Reliable early predictions regarding future healing outcomes remain limited.

Recent research has demonstrated that combining imaging techniques, laboratory parameters, and patient-specific factors can significantly improve the assessment of bone healing. However, intelligent analytical tools capable of systematically integrating these data sources and translating them into clinically relevant insights are still lacking.

Solution/Product description

MURDOCK follows a systems medicine approach to analyze and predict bone healing. Radiological data, clinical information, and biochemical markers are integrated and evaluated using artificial intelligence.

A particular focus is placed on transferring methods from digital oceanography to the analysis of medical imaging data. Techniques originally developed for seabed classification are adapted to automatically identify and assess characteristics such as bone density, bone thickness, fracture patterns, and healing progression in X-ray images.

In addition, laboratory parameters—including calcium isotope measurements in blood and urine—as well as other patient-specific factors are incorporated into the analyses. Based on these data, AI-supported models are developed to predict healing trajectories, identify risks at an early stage, and generate new insights into the biological processes underlying bone regeneration.

Why Us

MURDOCK is the first project to combine advanced AI methods, innovative biomarker analyses, and radiological image evaluation within a holistic systems medicine approach for predicting bone healing outcomes. A particularly innovative aspect is the transfer of established analytical methods from digital oceanography to medical imaging applications.

Through the close collaboration of clinical partners, research institutions, and industry stakeholders, MURDOCK establishes a unique platform for developing next-generation diagnostic tools in orthopedics and trauma surgery. The project aims to enable earlier detection of healing disorders, improve treatment decision-making, and ultimately support personalized care for patients with bone injuries.

Funding reference number: 03WIR6221C