AI’s Role in Orthopedics: Advancements and Challenges

By Sumona Bose

January 8, 2024

Introduction

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly evolved from a theoretical concept to a practical application with the help of affordable computational power and the availability of large data sets. In the healthcare field, AI has the potential to invigorate orthopedic treatment by addressing specific challenges such as image recognition, preoperative risk assessment, clinical decision-making, and analysis of massive data sets. A recent systematic review by Cabitza et al. highlighted the increasing number of initiatives that leverage AI to tackle orthopedic-specific problems. The review found that spine pathology, osteoarthritis (OA) detection and prediction, and imaging of bone and cartilage were the most studied topics. Machine learning (ML) techniques, particularly deep learning (DL) and support vector machines (SVMs), were the most frequently applied algorithms. Medical imaging data emerged as the most commonly used input source. This article will explore AI’s role in Orthopedics.

Figure 1: Remote patient monitoring. Data for health monitoring applications can be captured using a wide array of pervasive sensors that are worn on the body, implanted, or captured through ambient sensors, e.g., inertial motion sensors, electrocardiogram patches, smart watches, electroencephalograms, and prosthetics.

Discussing Challenges in AI Research

While the potential of AI in orthopedics is promising, there are challenges that need to be addressed. One of the main concerns is the accusation that AI in medicine provides no advantage over traditional statistics. However, this claim is unfounded as AI has proven to be effective in various medical applications. It is important to view traditional statistics and ML as lying on a spectrum rather than as distinct techniques.

To successfully implement AI in orthopedics, certain prerequisites need to be met. These include big accurate data sets, powerful computers, cloud computing, and open-source algorithmic development. However, there are additional challenges associated with AI research, such as privacy issues and biasing. If the data used to train AI models are biased, it can lead to systematic analytical mistakes. For example, if the training data predominantly consists of medical records of white men, the AI may make less accurate predictions for women, ethnic minorities, or other underrepresented groups.

Furthermore, AI lacks traits that are uniquely human, such as morality and intuition, making it prone to absurd mistakes. Adversarial attacks, which intentionally bias or force AI models to make errors, pose a significant threat to patient care and safety. These attacks can impact medical diagnosis, decision support, insurance claims, drug and device approvals, and clinical trials. AI’s role in Orthopedics highlight an important area in the medical industry where practical knowledge will meet theoretical insights.

Conclusion

Addressing these challenges requires careful consideration. Regulating AI too early may stifle innovation and result in inaccurate threat-based models and unwieldy regulatory structures. However, delaying regulation may leave healthcare systems vulnerable to adversarial attacks.

Reference url

Recent Posts

lenacapavir HIV PrEP access
    

Global Health Partnerships Unite to Expand Access to Lenacapavir for HIV Prevention

💉 How can we ensure equitable access to HIV prevention methods like lenacapavir?

A recent initiative from the Global Fund, supported by key global health organizations, aims to provide affordable access to this new HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis medication.

With a goal to reach 2 million individuals over three years, this coordinated effort seeks to drastically cut HIV infections and align with our commitment to ending AIDS by 2030.

Explore the details of this impactful collaboration and how it could transform HIV prevention.

#SyenzaNews #globalhealth #HealthcareInnovation #MarketAccess

antimicrobial resistance africa
     

Africa’s Health Crisis: Antimicrobial Resistance and Mpox Outbreak

🌍 Are we prepared to tackle the hidden pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Africa?

With AMR rapidly becoming a dominant health crisis, it’s critical to understand its impact on our healthcare systems and most vulnerable populations.

The Africa CDC highlights the urgent need for substantial investment and coordinated responses to combat this escalating threat, alongside the ongoing Mpox outbreak.

Discover the pressing challenges and potential solutions in our latest article.

#SyenzaNews #GlobalHealth #HealthcareInnovation #AntimicrobialResistance #PublicHealth

BioSapien cancer drug delivery
    

BioSapien Innovative Cancer Drug Delivery Solutions

🌟 How is innovation in drug delivery shaping the future of cancer treatment? 🌟

Discover how UAE-based BioSapien is transforming the healthcare landscape with the MediChip™ platform, securing $5.5 million in pre-Series A funding to enhance cancer care.

This innovative solution promises to minimise side effects and improve treatment outcomes for patients, fully embracing the potential of biotechnology in the fight against cancer.

Read more about BioSapien’s journey and its impact on global health!

#SyenzaNews #biotechnology #oncology #innovation #HealthTech

When you partner with Syenza, it’s like a Nuclear Fusion.

Our expertise are combined with yours, and we contribute clinical expertise and advanced degrees in health policy, health economics, systems analysis, public finance, business, and project management. You’ll also feel our high-impact global and local perspectives with cultural intelligence.

SPEAK WITH US

CORRESPONDENCE ADDRESS

1950 W. Corporate Way, Suite 95478
Anaheim, CA 92801, USA

© 2024 Syenza™. All rights reserved.