Chennai: The research team at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has developed a portable, Indigenous Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) scanner for diagnosing sports injuries on the field itself. POCUS is powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and is capable of conducting an immediate assessment of the injury. This will allow the medical personnel to decide if the injured player can be permitted to continue playing.
The researchers explained that the scanner has a wide range of applications in sports medicine. Through its ‘no radiation’ detection, it provides benefits of safety in addition to sufficient resolution compared to other similar technologies available.
Highlighting the significance of the initiative, Professor Arun K Thittai from the Department of Applied Mechanics and Biomedical Engineering stated that the research team observed a technological gap and a need for a point-of-care device for injury management and rehabilitation of athletes within routine training premises. He remarked that a quick assessment for musculoskeletal on the field will help sports players get immediate attention and focus on recovery. By utilizing the device beyond the hospital setting, the researchers believe that POCUS will transform the current ultrasound technology.
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