Machine Learning for the Orthopaedic Surgeon Uses and Limitations

Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence in which computer algorithms are trained to make classifications and predictions based on patterns in data. The utilization of these techniques is rapidly expanding in the field of orthopaedic research. There are several domains in which machine learning has application to orthopaedics, including radiographic diagnosis, gait analysis, implant identification, and patient outcome prediction. Several limitations prevent the widespread use of machine learning in the daily clinical environment. However, future work can overcome these issues and enable machine learning tools to be a useful adjunct for orthopaedic surgeons in their clinical decision-making.