Artificial intelligence now diagnoses fractures as well as orthopedists

Artificial intelligence is now an effective tool for diagnosing bone fractures and has the potential to effectively help orthopedists, especially hospitals, in busy emergency departments, according to a new scientific study.

The researchers, led by Dr. Rachel Kuo of the Oxford Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, published their findings in the North American Journal of Radiology in doctors and artificial intelligence systems.

The study (meta-analysis) did not find any significant statistical difference, with the accuracy (sensitivity) of artificial intelligence being 91% to 92%. “We found that artificial intelligence performed with a high degree of accuracy, comparable to the performance of clinicians,” said Dr. Kuo.

Failure to diagnose or delay a diagnosis of a fracture by X-ray is a common mistake with potentially serious consequences for the patient. Orthopedists are often overwhelmed by imaging examinations, which sometimes makes it difficult to make a correct and timely diagnosis. Artificial intelligence can help overloaded doctors in this case, as well as those who need a second opinion but can not find another specialist, which is especially true in cases of multiple fractures of the patient.

“Artificial intelligence can help as a ‘second eye’ by providing doctors with either reassurance that they have made the correct diagnosis or prompting them to take a second look at x-rays before treating patients,” Kuo said. He added, however, that research into the detection of fractures by artificial intelligence remains at a very early preclinical stage. That is why, as he said, “it is still important for doctors to continue to practice their own judgment. “Artificial intelligence is not infallible and is subject to bias and error.”

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