Artificial Intelligence for the Orthopaedic Surgeon: An Overview of Potential Benefits, Limitations, and Clinical Applications

• Published in: Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Vol. 29; no. 6; pp. 235 - 243
• Main Authors: Makhni, Eric C., Makhni, Sonya, Ramkumar, Prem N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 15-03-2021; by American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Subjects: Artificial Intelligence; Delivery of Health Care; Humans; Machine Learning; Orthopedic Surgeons; Orthopedics
• ISSN: 1067-151X; 1940-5480
• DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-20-00846

Artificial intelligence (AI), along with its subset technology machine learning, has transformed numerous industries through newfound efficiencies and supportive decision-making. These technologies have similarly begun to find application within United States healthcare, particularly orthopaedics. Although these modalities have the potential to similarly transform health care, there exist limitations that must also be recognized and understood. Unfortunately, most clinicians do not have an understanding of the fundamentals of AI and therefore may have challenges in contextualizing its impact in modern healthcare. The purpose of this review was to provide an overview of the key concepts of AI and machine learning with the orthopaedic surgeon in mind. The review further highlights the potential benefits and limitations of AI, along with an overview of its applications, in orthopaedics.