An overview of machine learning in orthopedic surgery: an educational paper

The growth of artificial intelligence (AI) combined with the collection and storage of large amounts of data in the electronic medical record collection (EMR) has created an opportunity for orthopaedic research and translation into the clinical environment. Machine learning (ML) is a type of AI tool well suited for processing the large amount of available data. Specific areas of ML frequently used by orthopaedic surgeons performing total joint arthroplasty include tabular data analysis (spreadsheets), medical imaging processing, and natural language processing (extracting concepts from text). Previous studies have discussed models able to identify fractures in radiographs, identify implant type in radiographs, and determine the stage of osteoarthritis based on walking analysis. Despite the growing popularity of ML, there are limitations including its reliance on “good” data, potential for overfitting, long life cycle for creation …