Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications in healthcare utilizes modern and emerging technologies in order to facilitate the ability of machines to understand and interpret information. Via the utilization of algorithm based tools, the medical field, inclusive of orthopaedic specialists, will be able to benefit from the technology.
With time, AI has facilitated the processing of information such as non-medical images. Utilizing the advent of learning networks, machines can actually learn the differences between various images, and be able to decode future images and identify if there are any health discrepancies to be noted by the physician. The applications of this capability include the ability of doctors to focus on parameters such as bone quality and density, and even be able to classify fractures before a diagnosis is reached.
With plenty of room for AI to grow and emerge in the field, the initial application is an exciting opportunity for the technology to propagate through the orthopaedic realm. In the civilian realm, you are already exposed to the advent of AI via smart technologies embedded in the Siri, Alexa, and even when you’re browsing software such as Netflix. Each of these contain data and algorithms embedded into their systems that enable a dialogue, with a response. As a patient, since technology is permeating various spheres, you can rest assured that AI will be able to improve your medical experiences.
Often a theme that is discussed at medical conferences, the practical applications are definitely making their way into our lives. With smarter machines, the possibilities are endless. There are various classifications of AI, with the classification known as weak AI being the one that is dominant in the medical realm today. Applications of weak AI include:
- Diagnostics Software: From the previous discussion, the utiilization of AI with embedded learning algorithms enables the decoding of medical data in order to enable condition diagnosis.
- Robotics Controls: With the advent of AI, is the fusion of its machine intelligence with robotics. It is quite useful in surgeries, since the intelligence will be able to note maneuvers and allow standardization of surgical procedures.
With the ability to sense and respond to conditions, AI will enable a machine that interacts with its capabilities to actually maximize performance and surgical/medical quality.
What to Expect With AI
AI is emerging. Existent for just about a decade, there is still plenty of room for improvement in the field. With plenty of investment dollars being committed to AI, medical research in the area is actually growing and evolving. As part of the medical “buzz”, we can actually anticipate that the outcome of the utilization of the technology will be more than seeming buzz. It will actually be a critical part of the medical process. With Big Data emerging, the collation of the relevant data, can allow critical data processing and business value to be gleaned. With the right analytical strategies, it will be possible to filter through the data, and enable the right decisions to be made by doctors and surgeons.
Since AI is still in its early stages of growth and development, there is plenty of room for growth and development. With the ability to improve reasoning and data processing capabilities the building blocks will pave the way for future functionality that we may not have thought of yet. Utilizing a series of mathematical functions, we will be able to make this happen.
How AI Impacts Orthopedics
In the orthopaedic realm, AI is present in the following realm:
- Diagnostic programs,
- Robot assist programs
- Patient treatment algorithms
Fusing all of these technologies and even enabling the ability to fuse the technology with Electronic Health Records, the ability to identify and treat medical trends will be enhanced.
Advances in Orthopedic Surgery
With robot assisted surgery evolving to its peak, the days where surgeries will be fully automated are still a few years away. Human interaction is very important in health care, and studies have shown that patients do like the presence of their doctors when they are undergoing care. Maintaining that relationship will be critical during a time when AI emerges to make decisions that once were the responsibility of the surgeon.
There is always room for both humans and machines to thrive! Where one lacks, the other has its advantages. As long as there is still room for improvement to be made in the medical realm, AI will have its place in improving your medical care. Embrace the changes and aim for the best!
References:
- Top 3 Trends in AI: https://www.exscribe.com/orthopedic-e-news/top-3-trends-in-ai-and-orthopaedics
- Artificial Intelligence: https://blog.peekmed.com/artificial-intelligence-in-orthopedics/
