Advancements and Clinical Applications of Machine Learning for Hand Pose Estimation.

J Hand Surg Am · Mar 2026 · Review

Bukowiec LG, Valenti J, Yang L, Todderud J, Wyles CC, Rhee PC, et al.

Mayo Clinic Orthopedic Surgery Artificial Intelligence Lab, Rochester, MN

Hand & Upper Extremity

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONReviews how machine learning-based hand pose estimation (vision- and sensor-based) could aid clinical kinematic assessment, though data and computational limitations still hinder adoption.
Abstract, as published

Hand pose estimation has substantial potential for clinical applications by accurately capturing the kinematics of the hand. Hand pose estimation employs the following two main approaches: vision-based methods, such as Red Green Blue Depth cameras, and sensor-based methods involving wearable devices. Machine learning enables the development of models that can accurately predict hand pose estimation metrics using large, complex data sets. Despite marked progress, challenges remain, including computational requirements, anatomical complexity, and the lack of clinical data sets for model training, particularly for pathologies affecting the hand.

Featured in the 2026-09-27 issue.

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