Artificial intelligence (AI) is quickly gaining momentum and being adopted in our daily lives. The medical sector is not far behind, given that more research into the integration of AI for different procedures is being carried out.
 
In orthopedics, the use of AI continues to prove its efficiency and the benefits it brings to patients and doctors. From incredibly precise imaging to accurate surgical planning, AI continues to expand the bounds of orthopedic practice. 
 
The experience of using AI will make work easier for physicians, while at the same time improving the efficiency of their work. Patients are bound to enjoy faster services with a more personalized approach to their specific issues.  
 
AI has proven to be one of the fastest-changing technologies with new inventions coming out to improve its use. The future of AI in orthopedics is quite bright as more people continue to use it. With the constant changes in this technology, keeping up with what’s new is important. Here are four examples of what’s new and working for implementation of AI in orthopedics.

1. Imaging Accuracy 

AI in orthopedics is improving imaging done on a patient with more precision and attention to detail. This massively improves patient care, given that the radiologist can clearly identify the patient’s problems and come up with a treatment plan. 
 
AI goes a step further to include more complex 3D images that give the whole picture and context to the problem at hand. AI brings the ability to interpret the images taken and reduce radiologist workload. 
 
The precision of the image interpretations offered by AI technologies has been tested, with more doctors choosing to work with this as an option. This technology has made it possible for orthopedic surgeons to be more accurate and prevent errors. 
 
The use of AI in orthopedics—especially in the imaging process—will help detect fractures and other conditions like osteoarthritis faster. This greatly reduces the evaluation curve, allowing physicians to offer reliable solutions to patients. Additionally, a study conducted shows AI can be used to classify non-medical images and be used in an Orthopedic setting.  

2. Data Interpretation 

Data interpretation could easily lead to fatigue and less attention to detail on the physician’s part. To avoid this, the use of AI comes in handy ensuring any data interpretation is automated. This allows the technology to sort through different sets of data provided and come up with insights relevant to the patient’s diagnosis. 
 
In addition to reducing fatigue, using AI for data interpretation has proven to reduce the amount of time needed significantly. Without the use of AI, data interpretation would take weeks before any relevant findings are made. 
 
With AI this only takes a few minutes—if not seconds—which helps the diagnosis go by faster. Additionally, AI can read physician medical reports and develop insights relevant to the diagnosis. This helps take note of anything missed during the process. 

3. Orthopedic Tools

 AI technology features different tools ideal for patient-specific orthopedic surgery. The surgeons can use tools such as automatic bone segmentation and landmark detection to get a deeper understanding of their patient’s diagnosis. This goes a long way to help the surgeon prepare in advance by working with tools to improve their efficiency. 
 
Additionally, AI technology features different recovery tools that can benefit patients in managing their condition. For instance, it is recommended the elderly should use compression socks in case of leg and foot pain. Tools that contribute to the patient’s recovery add to the importance of AI in orthopedics. 

4. Pre-Surgical Planning

The use of AI now allows surgeons to work with orthopedic digital templating. The use of this procedure comes in handy to inform the best implants to be used and the measurements required to get desired results. 
 
The surgeons have a 3D view of the bones and the area they’ll be operating on. This allows an easier and smoother time during the surgery since everything was planned in advance. Pre-surgical planning has proven to save time and significantly increase surgeon efficiency.

5. Surgical Procedures

 AI now guides orthopedic surgeons in real time to help avoid any mistakes. Using this allows surgeons to get their precision right and offer patients the best quality treatment. 
 
This also greatly improves the patient’s overall experience. AI has proven to improve surgical procedures being undertaken by increasing successes and results of numerous surgeries. 
 
AI continues to be a great guide for orthopedic surgeons but is not yet at the point where it can carry out surgeries. If such a time comes, it is safe to say robotic surgeries will still need orthopedic surgeons around.

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Melissa Waltz has always been recognized for her health and wellness knowledge and gained her knack for sharing this knowledge when first asked to ghostwrite for a friend’s nutrition blog. That’s when she realized her love for writing and she began to create articles on holistic nutrition utilizing her educational background in Nutritional Science. While working in the health industry for over a decade, she has grown into an experienced writer who likes to simplify any science-based jargon into reader-friendly language.