Natural Language Processing and Large Language Models.

Hand Clin · Feb 2026 · Review

Wong GC, Chung KC

Section of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Michigan Medicine

Hand & Upper Extremity

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONReview of how natural language processing and large language models could improve hand surgery through clinical data extraction, patient education, decision support, and automated documentation, while noting challenges that still need resolution.
Abstract, as published

Natural language processing systems (NLPs) and large language models (LLMs) have the potential to revolutionize hand surgery by streamlining workflows, enhancing patient-care, and advancing research capabilities. NLPs are particularly adept at processing unstructured clinical data, enabling more efficient research, quality improvement initiatives, and patient safety monitoring. LLMs contribute through patient education, real-time clinical decision support, and reducing administrative burdens with automated documentation. However, challenges must be resolved to fully realize their benefits. Overcoming these barriers could pave the way for transformative advancements in hand surgery and health care.

Featured in the 2026-10-29 issue.

← A History of Anatomical Eponyms of the Ulnar Nerve.Incidence and Risk of Trigger Finger Following Carpal Tunnel … →

The Reduction is a free email digest of newly published orthopaedic literature — a handful of new papers in the subspecialties you choose, each summarized like this one. Subscribe free or browse the archive.