Harnessing AI for Transformative Musculoskeletal Healthcare: The onMRI Breakthrough

The University of Lincoln’s Think Tank recently hosted a visionary Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Showcase that brought together academics, clinicians, researchers, and students to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of musculoskeletal (MSK) healthcare. Central to the event was onMRI – a groundbreaking AI platform developed by MSK Doctors in collaboration with academic partners – demonstrating how MRI analysis is entering a new era of objectivity and precision.

Highlighting onMRI’s Transformative Potential

At the heart of the discussions was onMRI (Objective Numeric MRI), an AI-powered platform that revolutionises traditional MRI interpretation by replacing qualitative, subjective assessments with quantifiable, reproducible data. Using proprietary deep learning models refined over a decade of research, onMRI extracts key musculoskeletal biomarkers – including cartilage thickness, meniscal integrity – to deliver clear numeric insights that guide diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring.

From Static Imaging to Dynamic Insight

Dr Yan Wen, lead researcher at MSK Doctors and affiliate at the University of Lincoln, demonstrated how onMRI integrates seamlessly with a real-time AI biomechanics lab, to provide a full-spectrum view of musculoskeletal health. “onMRI tells us what the tissue looks like, while MAI Motion shows us how it performs,” Dr Wen explained. “Together, they create a powerful diagnostic ecosystem that bridges imaging and function.”

Professor Paul Lee, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and Director of MSK Doctors, further emphasised how onMRI’s numeric MRI biomarkers can be used to monitor early cartilage degeneration, and objectively measure treatment response in regenerative medicine interventions.

Pioneering Ethical AI in Clinical Practice

The event also featured insights from Dr Lei Zhang, a Senior Lecturer in Imaging-Vision at the University of Lincoln, who detailed the ethical framework underpinning onMRI’s development. “We are not just creating algorithms—we’re creating responsible, explainable AI systems that clinicians can trust,” Dr Zhang said. With Innovate UK’s support through the KTP programme, the team continues to refine onMRI to meet regulatory standards.