Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Orthopedic Surgery: Diagnostic, Predictive, and Surgical Applications

This chapter examines the rapidly expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) across the orthopedic surgical spectrum, encompassing image-based diagnostics, preoperative planning, intraoperative decision support, and postoperative outcome prediction. It reviews validated algorithms for fracture detection, implant sizing, and deformity correction, alongside natural language processing applications in clinical documentation and registry analysis. Ethical, regulatory, and implementation challenges are discussed, with a forward-looking analysis of AI integration into routine orthopedic practice.