Revolutionising Orthopaedics: 7 AI-Powered Technologies Leading the Way in 2023

We are on the brink of a surge in orthopaedic technologies powered by artificial intelligence (AI). As patient data continues to grow and the push for greater surgical precision and improved patient outcomes intensifies, AI is set to transform orthopaedics both in and out of the operating room. Though adoption in the orthopaedic device industry is still in its early stages due to stringent standards, AI’s potential impact in easing workloads, enhancing surgical precision, and improving patient outcomes is becoming increasingly clear.

Key Benefits of AI in Orthopaedics

    •    Easing Surgeon Workload: AI systems can help reduce stress and handle time-consuming tasks, including in-surgery assistance through surgical robots and augmented reality (AR).

    •    Enhancing Surgical Precision: Orthopaedic templating, diagnostic imaging, and robotic assistance enhance implant placement and bone preservation.

    •    Improving Patient Outcomes: From preoperative planning to postoperative monitoring, AI-driven tools are paving the way for smoother and faster recoveries.

AI Transformations in Orthopaedics

    1.    Remote Patient Monitoring

Remote tools collect patient data, and AI analyzes this data to track recovery and adjust treatment plans as needed. This real-time tracking leads to better patient outcomes.

    2.    Digital Orthopaedic Templating

AI enhances digital orthopaedic templating accuracy, optimizing implant positioning and reducing surgical planning time, ultimately improving surgical precision.

    3.    AI-Powered Diagnostic Imaging

AI-powered imaging can diagnose conditions and predict patient outcomes with accuracy comparable to trained professionals. For instance, AI models can diagnose osteoporosis, joint infections, and implant issues with high precision.

    4.    Data-Driven Surgical Planning

AI assists in decision-making and predicting surgical outcomes, such as in total shoulder arthroplasty, by analyzing patient variables to enhance planning and predictions.

    5.    Orthopaedic Surgery-Assisting Robots

Surgery-assisting robots plan and execute bone removal and implant placement with extreme precision. These robots lead to more accurate positioning, less soft tissue damage, and healthier bone preservation. The AI-based surgical robots market is projected to grow to $56.7 billion by 2030.

    6.    Augmented Reality (AR) in Orthopaedics

AR, which overlays digital images in real-world settings, is in its early stages in orthopaedics but has promising applications in fracture care, reconstruction, oncology, and spine surgery. In 2022, Surgalign’s HOLO Portal became the first surgical guidance system to combine AI and AR.

    7.    AI-Powered Recovery Assistance

AI-enabled recovery support tools provide timely and consistent follow-up, which enhances patient satisfaction and recovery. For example, studies have shown that AI-powered follow-up and decision aids improve patient satisfaction, quality of decision-making, and collaborative care.

Stay Ahead in Orthopaedics with AI Talent

Ready to leverage AI in your orthopaedic practice? Partner with us to access top talent in the field. With our industry expertise and knowledge of the latest AI technologies, we can help you build a team that can drive revolutionary patient outcomes. Take the next step for your practice—contact us today!