KOALA

by ImageBiopsy Lab  · Based in Austria → — AI-driven solutions for musculoskeletal (MSK) diagnostics on radiographs
Orthopedics Radiology Rheumatology

Contact vendor for details
Regulatory Status Disclosed

Overview

IB Lab KOALA (Knee Osteoarthritis Labeling Assistant) by ImageBiopsy Lab is an AI-driven radiological image processing software designed to assist in the detection and monitoring of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

The software is built for radiologists, orthopedists, and orthopedic surgeons across clinical practices, hospitals, and imaging centers. It integrates directly into existing clinical workflows, including Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), Radiology Information Systems (RIS), and Clinical Information Systems (CIS). Operating as a zero-click, background application, KOALA automatically analyzes standing, fixed-flexion knee radiographs post-acquisition and delivers structured visual and text reports directly to the PACS/RIS reading environment.

Key capabilities of IB Lab KOALA include:

  • Automated assessment and grading of knee osteoarthritis based on the Kellgren & Lawrence (KL) scale.
  • Detection of radiographic signs of OA using standardized Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) criteria.
  • Precise measurement of minimum joint space width (JSW).
  • Identification of joint space narrowing, subchondral sclerosis, and osteophytosis.
  • Standardized reporting to facilitate objective longitudinal monitoring of disease progression and patient consultations.

Reviewed by Pouyan Golshani, MD — Interventional Radiologist

Key Features

  • Automated detection of knee osteoarthritis signs
  • Kellgren & Lawrence (KL) classification
  • OARSI classification
  • Precise measurements of minimum joint space width
  • Assessment of joint space narrowing, osteophytosis, and sclerosis
  • Augments reporting workflow for radiologists and orthopedists
  • Generates visual output reports and text reports in RIS
  • Seamless integration with PACS, RIS, and CIS
  • Facilitates monitoring of disease progression over time
  • Increases physician agreement rate and diagnostic accuracy

Use Cases

  • Early detection and prevention of knee osteoarthritis
  • Standardized and objective assessment of knee osteoarthritis on X-rays
  • Improving diagnostic accuracy and consistency for musculoskeletal specialists
  • Streamlining and automating radiological reporting workflows
  • Monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy in OA patients
  • Supporting patient communication with clear, quantitative reports

What Physicians Need to Know

DICOM Support & Standards
Supports DICOM for input. Outputs include DICOM Secondary Capture, DICOM GSPS, DICOM SR, DICOM PDF, and HL7 Encapsulated PDF.
PACS Integration Method
Integrates into standard reading environments (PACS), Radiological Information Systems (RIS), and Clinical Information Systems (CIS). It is PACS agnostic. Visual output reports are attached to the original X-ray image and saved automatically in the PACS system, with AI results fed as text into predefined RIS-templates.
Reading Room Workflow Impact
Augments and simplifies the reporting workflow by automating analysis and reporting on routine X-rays. It enhances physician agreement rates by 23% to the gold standard and offers precise measurements, leading to workflow time savings of up to 25 days per year. KOALA functions as a background standby solution, providing a secondary opinion without interrupting the radiologist's workflow.
AI Model Architecture (deep learning approach)
Utilizes deep learning technology. The algorithm has been trained on a high number of knee osteoarthritis (OA) cases from various clinical sites.
Processing Speed (per study)
10 - 60 seconds.
FDA Clearance Pathway (510k/De Novo)
FDA 510(k) cleared, Class II. It also holds CE Certification (MDD, Class I).
Supported Modalities (CT/MRI/X-ray/US)
Supports X-ray, specifically standing, fixed-flexion AP radiographs of the knee for musculoskeletal (MSK) imaging.
Sensitivity & Specificity Data
Demonstrates 87% sensitivity and 83% specificity in discerning mild from moderate and severe knee OA based on the Kellgren & Lawrence (KL) score (>=2).
RSNA/ACR Validation
KOALA made its U.S. debut at the RSNA 2019 conference. ImageBiopsy Lab partners with Siemens Healthineers to make KOALA available on the syngo.via platform.
Physician Tip

KOALA provides automated, standardized, and objective measurements for knee osteoarthritis on X-rays, aiding in consistent diagnosis and monitoring disease progression. Its integration into existing PACS/RIS workflows can significantly reduce reporting time and enhance diagnostic accuracy by offering a reliable second opinion. Physicians should leverage the visual and text reports for efficient patient consultation and therapy management.

KOALA offers flexible integration options, including direct integration with PACS, RIS, and CIS, as well as deployment via AI marketplaces or as a stand-alone application (web-based, cloud-based, hybrid, or local). It is designed to be PACS agnostic and compatible with standard DICOM viewers, ensuring seamless adoption into diverse IT infrastructures without requiring additional hardware.

Details

Category Radiology & Imaging AI
Pricing Contact vendor for details
DeploymentCloud-based; Hybrid solution; Locally on dedicated hardware; Locally virtualized (VM, Docker); On-premise server
Compliance
BAA AvailableUnknown AI-estimated
HIPAA CompliantUnknown AI-estimated
FDA Status 1 AI-estimated

IB Lab KOALA (Knee Osteoarthritis Labeling Assistant) received FDA 510(k) clearance (K192109) on November 5, 2019, as a Class II device. It is intended to aid trained medical professionals in detecting radiographic signs of knee osteoarthritis and augmenting the reporting workflow.

Integrations
EHR Not specified
Specialties Orthopedics, Radiology, Rheumatology

What the Web Says

KOALA by Image Biopsy Lab is a software solution designed to assist in the diagnosis and management of musculoskeletal conditions, particularly focusing on osteoarthritis. It utilizes AI to analyze medical images, aiming to provide quantitative measurements and insights that support clinical decision-making. Reviews suggest it offers a novel approach to standardizing and enhancing the assessment of joint health.

Overall: Positive

Strengths

  • AI-powered quantitative analysis of medical images for osteoarthritis.
  • Aids in standardizing diagnostic processes and reducing inter-observer variability.
  • Provides objective measurements that can track disease progression and treatment efficacy.
  • Potential to improve efficiency in clinical workflows by automating certain measurements.
  • Offers a new perspective for early detection and personalized treatment strategies.
  • User interface is generally considered intuitive and easy to integrate into existing systems.

Limitations

  • Relatively new technology, so long-term clinical outcomes and widespread adoption are still being established.
  • Integration challenges with diverse existing PACS and EMR systems can occur.
  • Reliance on AI may raise concerns about 'black box' decision-making for some clinicians.
  • Initial cost of implementation and ongoing subscription fees might be a barrier for smaller practices.
  • Requires high-quality input images for accurate analysis, which might not always be available.
  • Limited direct physician reviews available on major platforms like G2/Capterra, indicating niche adoption.

Based on reviews from: Image Biopsy Lab Website, Medical Technology News Articles, Radiology Journals (mentions/studies), Healthcare IT Review Sites (limited direct reviews), Academic Research Papers, LinkedIn (professional discussions)

Last updated: 2026-07-18

Ratings & Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this tool!

Rate KOALA

Clinical Value
Ease of Use
Integration
Support & Docs
Value for Money

Press & Coverage

Healthcare AI
ImageBiopsy Lab (IB Lab) expands its FDA-cleared musculoskeletal (MSK)-portfolio with the 510(k) clearance of its LAMA software.
ImageBiopsy Lab received FDA 510(k) clearance for its IB Lab LAMA software, an automated radiological image processing tool for lower limb measurements on X-rays. This expands their MSK portfolio, which already includes the FDA-cleared KOALA Knee-Osteoarthritis Labeling Assistant.
2023-06
PR Newswire
FDA clears ImageBiopsy Labs' latest AI-powered Software for a comprehensive Set of Automated Measurements on Long Leg Radiographs
ImageBiopsy Lab announced FDA clearance for IB Lab LAMA, a software for automated geometric length and angle measurements of the lower limb on full leg X-rays. This builds on their previous FDA clearance for IB Lab KOALA, the Knee-Osteoarthritis Labeling Assistant.
2023-06
PR Newswire
AI Innovation for automated Detection and Classification of osteoporotic Fractures of the Spine in CT Scans - ImageBiopsy Lab launches IB Lab FLAMINGO
ImageBiopsy Lab introduced IB Lab FLAMINGO, a fully automated software for identifying asymptomatic spinal fractures in CT scans, at the RSNA conference. This AI solution utilizes the Genant classification to highlight relevant fractures and enable proactive treatment.
2023-11
Blackford Analysis
Next MSK Diagnostics | AI Solutions for Radiographs | ImageBiopsy Lab - Blackford Analysis
ImageBiopsy Lab (IB Lab) develops AI-driven solutions for musculoskeletal (MSK) diagnostics on radiographs, providing quantitative and standardized reports. Their portfolio includes KOALA for knee osteoarthritis, LAMA for lower limb measurements, HIPPO for hip positioning, PANDA for pediatric bone age, FLAMINGO for vertebral fracture detection, and SQUIRREL for spinal alignment.
2023-11
Health AI Register
IB Lab KOALA - ImageBiopsy Lab - Health AI Register
IB Lab KOALA is an AI-powered software that detects signs of knee osteoarthritis based on standard joint parameters and OARSI criteria of standing radiographs. It is CE certified and FDA 510(k) cleared, intended for use by trained medical professionals to augment reporting workflows.
2026-05
PubMed
Investigating the association between koala retrovirus and primary bone neoplasia in koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) using real-time PCR and a novel immunohistochemistry assay - PubMed
This study investigated the association between Koala retrovirus (KoRV) and primary bone tumors in koalas, suggesting a potential role for KoRV in koala bone tumor oncogenesis. The research utilized real-time PCR and a novel immunohistochemistry assay.
2025-12
YouTube (The Upside Observer)
Wild koalas receive new implant to boost chlamydia vaccine without - YouTube
A biodegradable implant designed to deliver a booster dose of a chlamydia vaccine has been given to wild koalas in Burleigh, Queensland, to eliminate the need for recapture. This approach aims to simplify vaccination logistics and reduce stress on the animals.
2026-07
The Times of India
Australia's koalas face disease, habitat loss and shrinking populations, but scientists are freezing eggs and sperm to create a genetic backup for the species | - The Times of India
Scientists in Queensland are establishing the first koala egg and sperm bank to preserve genetic diversity, collecting reproductive material from deceased animals and cryopreserving it. Disease screening, particularly for chlamydia, is a crucial part of this project to strengthen future koala populations.
2026-07

Videos

Product demos, reviews, and walkthroughs for KOALA.

View all on YouTube

Frequently Asked Questions

IB Lab KOALA integrates with existing PACS and RIS systems, allowing images to be forwarded for analysis and annotations to be attached to the original study. It assists medical professionals by detecting radiographic signs of knee osteoarthritis, measuring minimum joint space width, and assessing severity based on OARSI criteria and Kellgren & Lawrence Grading, thereby augmenting the reporting workflow.
IB Lab KOALA has received U.S. FDA 510(k) clearance and CE Certification (Class I MDD), indicating its compliance with medical device regulations. It offers deployment options including HIPAA-compliant cloud or on-premise servers to ensure patient data privacy and security.
IB Lab KOALA specifically focuses on knee osteoarthritis, offering fully-automated image processing for standardized measurement of joint space narrowing and radiographic features. Its differentiators include enhancing physician agreement rates, providing precise measurements, and streamlining workflow for more efficient knee X-ray assessments, with reported 93% accuracy in detecting joint space narrowing and 92% precision in detecting osteoarthritis.
While specific pricing details for IB Lab KOALA are not publicly disclosed in the search results, specialized medical AI software often utilizes tiered subscription models based on usage or modules. Costs typically encompass initial implementation for PACS/RIS integration, ongoing software updates, and technical support.
IB Lab KOALA is intended to aid medical professionals and should not be used in lieu of full patient evaluation or solely relied upon to make or confirm a diagnosis. It provides objective values for monitoring and forecasting progress, but clinical judgment remains paramount, with the system acting as a support tool.
KOALA is designed as a decision-support tool to reduce diagnostic workload and improve accuracy through objective, consistent reports. However, the ultimate responsibility for patient care, diagnosis, and treatment decisions remains with the trained medical professional utilizing the system.
IB Lab KOALA is designed for use by trained medical professionals, including orthopedists and radiologists. While specific training programs are not detailed, the system's integration into standard reading environments (PACS/RIS) and its provision of structured reports suggest a focus on user-friendly workflow and accessible technical support.

Related Tools

Surgical Reality Viewer
Surgical Reality
Oncology AI
Surgical Reality offers CE- and FDA-certified AI-powered 3D medical imaging and surgical planning software that transforms CT scans into patient-specific 3D models for thoracic surgery, enhancing precision in complex lung procedures.
Oxipit ChestLink
Oxipit (part of Sectra group)
Clinical Decision Support & Reference
Oxipit ChestLink is the world's first CE Class IIb-certified autonomous AI application for healthy chest X-ray reporting, capable of identifying normal studies with 99.9% sensitivity. It automates the reporting of normal chest X-rays, reducing radiologist workload and improving efficiency.
Cercare Medical Oncology Virtual Expert
Cercare Medical
Neurology AI
Cercare Medical's Oncology Virtual Expert is an AI-powered brain tumor segmentation module that provides fast, consistent, and semi-automated tumor analysis from standard MRI data, designed for on-premise deployment within existing clinical radiology workflows.
CARPL.ai
CARPL.ai
Developer Tools & APIs
CARPL.ai is a vendor-neutral Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform that allows radiologists to access, assess, and integrate radiology AI solutions in their clinical practice. It provides a single user interface, a single data channel, and a single procurement channel for the testing, deployment, and monitoring of AI solutions in clinical radiology workflows.
CoLumbo C-Spine
Smart Soft Healthcare AD
Clinical Decision Support & Reference
CoLumbo C-Spine is an AI-powered software that processes and analyzes cervical spine MRI exams, assisting clinicians in diagnosis and assessment.
SubtleHD-CT
Subtle Medical, Inc.
Radiology & Imaging AI
Subtle Medical's SubtleHD-CT is an AI software designed to enhance the quality and resolution of CT scans, reducing noise and improving image clarity. [7]

See all Radiology & Imaging AI tools →

More from ImageBiopsy Lab

IB Lab LAMA
ImageBiopsy Lab
Radiology & Imaging AI
IB Lab LAMA™ is the world's first AI software for fully automatic measurements on long leg radiographs, including those with hip or knee implants, providing precise leg geometry analysis for lower limb deformities.
ImageBiopsy Lab LAMA
ImageBiopsy Lab
Clinical Decision Support & Reference
ImageBiopsy Lab LAMA is an AI-driven software that provides precise, fully-automated geometric length and angle measurements of the lower limb on full leg X-ray images, aiding in musculoskeletal diagnostics and improving workflow efficiency for radiologists and orthopedic surgeons.

View company profile →

Suggest an Edit → | Last Verified: 2026-04-18 | First Added: 2026-04-18
AI Tool Finder
AI-powered search. Results may not be comprehensive.