Predictive Value of Machine Learning in Knee Osteoarthritis Progression: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review used CIs to estimate mean effects and PIs to estimate the potential range of effects in future scenarios. It systematically compared the performance of ML in predicting KOA progression under different model types, modeling variables, and definitions of KOA progression. ML models demonstrate certain discriminatory power in predicting KOA progression, but current evidence should be interpreted with caution due to various sources of significant heterogeneity, such as variations in the definition of KOA progression and validation strategies. Future research should standardize the definition of KOA progression, enhance methodological rigor, and conduct stringent external validation to improve model reliability and facilitate clinical translation.