Technology Review: The Hidden Influence of AI in Orthopaedic Surgery.

J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev · Aug 01 2026 · Review

Olson SN, Ulrich MN, Wyles CC, Amanatullah DF

From the Penn State College of Medicine (Olson), Hershey, PA; the Department of Orthopedic Surgery (Dr. Ulrich, CA

General Orthopaedics

SUMMARY — THE REDUCTIONThis overview reviews AI's growing role in orthopaedics, its history in healthcare, current applications, and regulatory issues, urging proactive discussion of its impact on trainees and practice.
Abstract, as published

Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly integrated into multiple facets of society, specifically within the realm of orthopaedics. To understand its effects, we provide an overview of AI models, their presence in health care over time, current integrations, and regulations regarding AI. This overview highlights different perspectives, the variety of influences that AI currently has, and the implications for the future of orthopaedics. AI is agnostic to the outcome and will have both a positive and negative effect on the next generation of trainees, educators, practitioners, consumers, and leaders, necessitating proactive discussions about AI.

Featured in the 2026-08-23 issue.

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