The QMMI (Quantitative Multimodal Musculoskeletal Imaging) team at QMISG specializes in developing advanced software for quantitative image analysis, aimed at creating Bone Quality Biomarkers for the early detection and diagnosis of bone diseases. QMMI integrates multiple imaging modalities, such as STE-, UTE-, ZTE-, c-MRI, DXA, QCT, and QUS, to assess both cortical and trabecular bone compartments with high precision.The team’s research focuses on age-related cortical bone deterioration and bone loss, supported by extensive ex-vivo and in-vivo studies, particularly in the context of osteoporosis. These efforts contribute to a deeper understanding of bone microstructure and its clinical implications.Looking ahead, QMMI aims to bridge imaging science with clinical practice by delivering reliable, reproducible, and clinically meaningful technologies that advance musculoskeletal diagnostics and research.

• Design and development of quantitative MRI protocols (UTE-/ZTE-/STE-MRI) for staging age-related deterioration of human cortical bone, including the assessment of osteoporosis progression and severity
• Ex-vivo and in-vivo cortical bone imaging for precise quantification of cortical bone water compartments, enabling deeper insights into bone microstructure and composition
• Multimodal imaging approaches for comprehensive bone quality detection and diagnosis, supporting the development of quantitative bone biomarkers for clinical and research applications

• Feasibility study of proton density quantification in cortical bone using short-TE MRI techniques
• Feature extraction from UTE-MRI images of cortical bone for osteoporosis quantification and characterization
• Bone quality assessment through the complementary roles of QCT and MRI, utilizing a dual-purpose MR/CT phantom
• Design and implementation of a pseudo-CT reconstruction method using a statistical bone atlas for accurate skull segmentation from MR images
• Ex-vivo assessment of cortical bone porosity via short-TE magnetic resonance imaging
• Ex-vivo quantification of cortical bone porosity through relaxometry and densitometry of bone water using STE-MRI
• Enhanced accuracy of bone quality evaluation by integrating STE-MRI with conventional bone density measurements (DXA)