Artificial Intelligence in Orthopedic Surgery Education: Current Concepts

Artificial intelligence (AI) creates new opportunities to streamline orthopedic surgery medical education. There are four important ways in which AI can be used in medical education: adaptive learning using AI, surgical simulation, performance improvement, and clinical adjuncts. Adaptive learning is a practical AI application for improving electronic learning (E-learning) - delivery of educational content through digital devices like computers, tablets, and smartphones. JBJS (Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery) Clinical Classroom is an example of an E-learning platform utilizing adaptive learning for residents and practicing physicians. Companies like Khan Academy and Quizlet have also developed AI-based tutors for E-learning. Surgical simulation has become an effective way to recreate key components of surgery that trainees should understand to safely and confidently develop technical skills and perform such procedures. Haptic feedback (using touch and vibrations to communicate physical sensations or feelings to a user) is helpful for these simulators, providing tactile feedback expected with orthopedic procedures. Modern clinical education extends from the classroom to the point of care, and performance improvement is a major component. Predictive analytics involves collecting and analyzing data to predict the likelihood of different outcomes. Since many of these technologies are in their early stages, further testing and refinement are needed to improve security, accuracy, and validity.