Latest research on artificial intelligence in orthopaedics

62 papers, newest 30 shown · updated 2026-09-26 · General Orthopaedics · All topics

The newest papers on artificial intelligence in orthopaedics from the orthopaedic journals The Reduction reads, newest first, each with a one-line summary. The list is drawn from the digest’s archive and refreshed every week.

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Recent papers

  1. Ability of Deep Learning to Predict Surgical Recommendations for Distal Radial Fractures: A Feasibility Study.

    Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American) · Sep 22 2026 · PubMed

    A combined CNN and random forest AI model predicted hand surgeons' operative versus nonoperative recommendations for distal radius fractures with 87% accuracy using pre-reduction radiographs and clinical data, showing feasibility for point-of-care decision support.

  2. Enhancing Osteosarcoma Survival Predictions: A Comparative Study of a Multicomponent-Model Machine Learning Approach Integrating SEER and NCDB Data Sets Versus Conventional Single-Data-Set Modeling.

    Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American) · Sep 16 2026 · PubMed

    Multicomponent machine learning approach using multiple registries improves osteosarcoma survival prediction accuracy across diverse populations versus single data-set models.

  3. Research priorities in Spine Deformity: a machine learning-based topic analysis of the journal's first decade (2013-2026).

    Spine Deformity · Sep 08 2026 · PubMed

    Machine-learning topic modeling of Spine Deformity's first decade shows growth in fusion outcomes, frailty/perioperative risk, and AI/LLM patient education research, while sagittal alignment and biomechanical topics have cooled.

  4. Select large language models outperform hip preservation experts on consensus-based hip preservation questionnaire.

    Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy · Sep 07 2026 · PubMed

    In a structured hip preservation questionnaire, several large language models (ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude) matched or statistically outperformed expert clinicians in accuracy and consistency, suggesting growing potential as educational adjuncts.

  5. Surface Topography and Machine Learning: Strides Towards Radiation-Free Scoliosis Assessment: A Systematic Review.

    Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics · Sep 01 2026 · PubMed

    Systematic review of 12 studies (5015 patients) finds machine learning applied to surface topography can estimate scoliosis curve severity with accuracy approaching radiographs, though curve-type classification remains less reliable.

  6. Factors Associated With an LLM Arriving at the Same Diagnosis as a Musculoskeletal Specialist.

    Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Sep 01 2026 · PubMed

    Large language models and clinicians disagreed on diagnoses 45% of the time; discordance reflected diagnostic ambiguity rather than patient psychological factors.

  7. Arthroscopic Images Predict Tendon Integrity After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair Using a Deep Learning Model.

    Arthroscopy · Aug 31 2026 · PubMed

    A deep learning model analyzing intraoperative arthroscopic images after rotator cuff repair predicted early tendon healing versus retear with high accuracy, potentially helping identify patients needing delayed rehabilitation.

  8. Integrative machine learning and multi-omics identify a centromere gene signature and validate B3GALT4 as a tumor suppressor in osteosarcoma.

    Journal of Bone Oncology · Aug 2026 · PubMed

    A machine-learning-derived centromere gene signature predicts osteosarcoma prognosis and immune microenvironment status, while B3GALT4 was validated as a tumor suppressor that inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation and migration.

  9. Do ChatGPT and Gemini provide accurate answers to patient questions about glenohumeral arthritis?

    JSES Reviews, Reports & Techniques · Aug 2026 · PubMed

    ChatGPT and Gemini align with AAOS glenohumeral arthritis guidelines only 50–75% of the time and frequently fabricate references, so clinicians and patients should use them cautiously.

  10. The Basic Science of Large Language Models in Orthopaedic Surgery.

    Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Aug 05 2026 · PubMed

    This review explains the underlying science of large language models like ChatGPT for orthopaedic surgeons, using clinical examples to illustrate retrieval versus reasoning failures so surgeons can critically evaluate AI tools.

  11. Can Artificial Intelligence Assess Distal Radius Fracture Stability?

    HAND · Aug 04 2026 · PubMed

    AI chatbots (ChatGPT, Claude) showed only fair-to-moderate agreement with hand surgeons in classifying distal radius fracture stability, and are not yet reliable for clinical triage.

  12. Promises and limitations of deep learning for predicting knee osteoarthritis progression from medical imaging: A systematic review.

    Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy · Aug 03 2026 · PubMed

    This systematic review finds deep learning models show promise for predicting knee OA progression from imaging but suffer from inconsistent outcome definitions, limited external validation, and performance drop-off outside training datasets, limiting current clinical readiness.

  13. An Introduction to Machine Learning for the Practicing Spine Surgeon.

    Clinical Spine Surgery · Aug 01 2026 · Review · PubMed

    This Clinical Spine Surgery article offers spine surgeons a practical primer on machine learning concepts, model design, and common pitfalls in interpreting AI-driven research.

  14. Artificial Intelligence Scribes in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Narrative Review.

    JAAOS Global Research & Reviews · Aug 01 2026 · Review · PubMed

    This narrative review evaluates AI documentation scribes for orthopaedic surgery, finding they offer promising EHR-integrated relief from charting burden but need specialty-specific validation before widespread adoption.

  15. Assessing Large Language Models for Clinical Coding in Hand Surgery: Effect of Note Authorship, Prompt Design, and Diagnosis/Procedure Type.

    Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Aug 01 2026 · PubMed

    Large language models poorly predict ICD-10 codes (24% accuracy) but perform well for CPT codes (92%), requiring optimization before clinical use.

  16. Distinct 3-Dimensional Anatomic Patterns Including Flatter Surfaces and Greater Sagittal Inclinations of Intra-articular Structures Are Reliably Identified Through an Artificial Intelligence-Based Pipeline in Anterior Cruciate Ligament-Injured Knees.

    Arthroscopy · Jul 2026 · PubMed

    AI-based 3D MRI analysis identifies distinct anatomical patterns in ACL injury including flatter articular surfaces and increased sagittal inclinations.

  17. Transforming Orthopaedic Trauma Care: Forecasting Operating Room Demand by Harnessing Time-Series Analysis and Machine Learning.

    Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American) · Jul 28 2026 · PubMed

    A time-series/machine learning model using historical, environmental, and system data predicted daily orthopaedic trauma OR caseload far more accurately than rolling averages, offering a template to optimize OR scheduling and staffing.

  18. Using artificial intelligence to predict health-related quality of life for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

    European Spine Journal · Jul 22 2026 · PubMed

    Machine learning models using pre- and intraoperative data outperformed simple mean-based predictions in forecasting quality-of-life changes two years after adolescent idiopathic scoliosis surgery, supporting their potential use in patient counseling.

  19. Development of Convolutional Neural Networks for Classification and Characterisation of Proximal Humerus Fractures on Computed Tomography.

    Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery · Jul 16 2026 · PubMed

    3D convolutional neural network accurately classified proximal humerus fractures and characterized greater tuberosity displacement and varus malalignment on CT, with performance comparable to surgeons for these key features.

  20. Predicting Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, Satisfaction, Healthcare Utilization, Mortality, and Return to Work After Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Machine Learning: A 14,900-Patient Study.

    Journal of Arthroplasty · Jul 14 2026 · PubMed

    Machine learning models using baseline patient data predicted post-TKA pain, function, satisfaction, healthcare utilization, mortality, and return to work with moderate-to-strong accuracy, potentially aiding preoperative counseling once externally validated.

  21. Determining the Mechanical Axis of the Femur from a Standard Antero-posterior Knee Radiograph with Deep Learning.

    Journal of Arthroplasty · Jul 14 2026 · PubMed

    Deep learning model predicts femoral mechanical axis from standard antero-posterior knee radiographs with 1.02-degree accuracy, outperforming linear regression and 6-degree varus methods.

  22. Prediction of Acromial and Scapular Spine Fractures After Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty using Machine Learning: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

    Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery · Jul 03 2026 · PubMed

    Machine learning model predicts acromial and scapular spine fractures after reverse shoulder arthroplasty; medialized-distalized implants, cuff tear arthropathy, older age, and osteoporosis are strongest risk factors.

  23. ISSLS Prize in Bioengineering Science 2026: Hidden in Plain Sight: Machine Learning-Assisted MRI Reveals Novel Vertebral Body Biomarkers of Chronic Low Back Pain in Humans.

    European Spine Journal · Jul 03 2026 · PubMed

    Machine learning-assisted MRI reveals novel vertebral body biomarkers in chronic low back pain patients including lower signal intensity, greater heterogeneity, and anterior displacement of structural mass.

  24. The Interface of Artificial Intelligence and the Electronic Medical Record in Orthopaedic Surgery: Current Applications and Future Directions.

    JAAOS Global Research & Reviews · Jul 01 2026 · Review · PubMed

    AI-powered EMR tools like ambient scribes can reduce orthopaedic clinician workload and improve efficiency, though privacy, cost, and integration concerns remain unresolved.

  25. Preserving Scientific Integrity in Academic Publishing: Navigating Artificial Intelligence, Journal Policies, and the Impact Factor as a Quality Indicator.

    Journal of Arthroplasty · Jun 2026 · Review · PubMed

    Opinion piece on threats to research integrity from AI misuse, mega-journals, and impact-factor gaming, proposing transparency standards and reformed metrics to safeguard publishing quality.

  26. Clinical accuracy and applications of large language models in pediatric orthopedics: a systematic review.

    Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B · Jun 23 2026 · PubMed

    Large language models achieved ~74% accuracy in pediatric orthopedics with high reading complexity and regional variability, suitable as supervised educational supplements but not independent decision tools.

  27. Biomechanical phenotypes of 90° change of direction in football players: Unsupervised machine learning in anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention.

    Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy · Jun 22 2026 · PubMed

    Unsupervised machine learning identified four distinct biomechanical phenotypes in football players performing 90° change of direction, useful for ACL injury prevention targeting.

  28. Machine Learning-Based Identification of Distinct Risk Factors for Moderate vs Severe Proximal Junctional Kyphosis After Adult Spinal Deformity Surgery.

    The Spine Journal · Jun 17 2026 · PubMed

    Machine learning identified distinct risk factors for moderate versus severe proximal junctional kyphosis after adult spinal deformity surgery: geometric stress for moderate disease and lordosis maldistribution for severe disease.

  29. Can artificial intelligence provide reliable patient education in minimally invasive bunion surgery? A comparative study of ChatGPT 5.2 and Gemini.

    Foot and Ankle Surgery · Jun 16 2026 · PubMed

    ChatGPT and Gemini provided reliable, high-quality theoretical information on minimally invasive bunion surgery but failed on actionability and were too complex for general readers.

  30. A Machine Learning Approach to Determine the Optimal Age for Total Hip Arthroplasty: When Is Risk for Adverse Outcomes Lowest?

    Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons · Jun 03 2026 · PubMed

    Machine learning identified optimal age for total hip arthroplasty between 52.5-71.5 years, with lowest risk for readmission, revision, and mortality in this range.

Landmark papers

  1. Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, and Cognitive Computing: What Do These Terms Mean and How Will They Impact Health Care?

    Journal of Arthroplasty · 2018 · cited 666 times · PubMed

    This educational article explains AI, machine learning, deep learning, and cognitive computing concepts to help orthopaedic surgeons understand their potential clinical applications.

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