When we think of artificial intelligence, it can be easy to be intimidated by it. After all, we have visions of Elon Musk’s robot roaming around and taking over the world. Well, we are here to tell you that’s not the future of artificial intelligence in orthopedic healthcare.
We want to ensure that all our patients understand AI (artificial intelligence) and that there is nothing to fear when it comes to it.
What is AI in Healthcare?
First off, what is AI? “Artificial intelligence (AI), or machine learning, is a process by which computers use existing data or definitions in a databank to construct reality rather than executing exact instructions from human input.”
AI devices are able to see, identify, and formulate data based on their knowledge. This helps to gather information in a matter of seconds, where it might take a human hours to gather that information.
Now, one of the first things we want to make clear is that artificial intelligence does not think for itself. It merely gathers data from studies, websites, and other knowledge already out there.
According to the Mayo Clinic, the future of patient care is in the hands of artificial intelligence. The listed benefits are really endless, and they include things like the following:
- Preventive Care – being able to catch certain diseases immediately before it becomes problematic.
- Risk Assessment – being able to help identify those who might be at risk for a specific health condition in the future.
The use of AI can help connect patients with the care they need before it becomes a serious problem. Now that we know AI can assist in patient care for healthcare overall, how can AI help specifically in orthopedics?
How is AI Used in Orthopedics?
One of the things we love to say here at The Orthopedic Clinic is our desire in understanding our patients as a whole. You will find that our common saying that we live by here is that we are “Treating the patient, not the injury.” Because you could have two people with a broken foot but that doesn’t mean we would treat both people the same exact way.
The use of AI in orthopedics allows us to rely on the information being provided to us on the patient as a whole, and not just on the injury they came in with. According to the National Library of Medicine, the use of AI helps orthopedic surgeons make more precise decisions and predict patient outcomes with more certainty.
AI can be used in orthopedics through imaging, screening, diagnostics, and yes, even surgery.
Benefits of AI Being Used in Orthopedics
The benefits of using AI in orthopedics is the ability to gain a more precise understanding of our patients as a whole, especially when it comes to surgery.
You will often hear our doctors explaining the use of robotics in orthopedics is like using Google or Apple Maps to get to a location you want to go to. Now, could you print off the directions and use a paper map to get there? Sure, you absolutely could.
However, being able to use Google or Apple Maps allows you to get real-time information on what is going on. That could be issues such as an exit being closed, heavy traffic up ahead, or even roadblocks that are coming up. This allows you, as the driver, to make better-informed decisions ahead of time instead of when you’re right up on it.
This is exactly what it is like for orthopedic doctors when caring for their patients. AI has an advanced processing power that we just can’t get from other programs or even from people who do the work manually. And it is our job to stay up to date with the research and the tools at our disposal.
The Future of AI in Orthopedic Surgery
The Orthopedic Clinic is committed to staying cutting-edge and using the best tools at our fingertips to better serve our patients with the best possible outcomes after orthopedic surgery.
In 2023, The Orthopedic Clinic purchased the VELYS™ Robotic-Assisted Solution. This robot uses a variety of advanced technologies to provide surgeons with the information and tools they need to perform an accurate and precise knee replacement personalized for the patient’s specific anatomy.
This amazing AI technology is designed for digital precision, which may improve early patient outcomes following total knee replacement surgery. It is important to note that the robotic-assisted surgery device is controlled entirely by our highly skilled surgeons and does not operate autonomously.
Artificial intelligence has revolutionized orthopedics by enhancing diagnostics, treatment, and recovery times. While AI offers incredible tools, the human touch remains essential in delivering compassionate care. At The Orthopedic Clinic, we’re committed to blending innovative technology with personalized treatment to help our patients live in full motion. The future of orthopedics is here.