Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in orthopedic surgery to enhance preoperative planning, intraoperative guidance, and postoperative management. AI techniques — such as deep learning and multimodal data fusion — help interpret complex imaging, predict optimal surgical strategies, and tailor rehabilitation paths to individual patients. These AI tools are steering the field toward precision and personalized care, supporting surgeons with data-driven insights that reduce uncertainty and improve outcomes. Meanwhile, augmented reality (AR) complements AI by overlaying virtual anatomic information directly into the surgeon’s view during procedures, improving visualization of critical structures and enabling more accurate execution of complex tasks.
AR systems — often through head-mounted displays — project 3D anatomical models and surgical plans into the operating field, allowing surgeons to see both the real patient and computer-generated guidance simultaneously. Early evidence suggests that AR can improve surgical precision, lower provider cognitive burden, and reduce reliance on traditional imaging methods like continuous fluoroscopy, thereby decreasing radiation exposure. These technologies also show promise for education and training, with AR and AI-powered simulations enabling residents to practice procedures in realistic environments before actual surgery.
Despite the promise, widespread clinical adoption remains limited by several factors. Many AR and AI systems are still in proof-of-concept or early clinical stages, and robust evidence from large randomized trials is scarce. Technical hurdles include accurate real-time image overlay, user interface design that avoids information overload, standardization of data formats, and integration with existing surgical workflows. Ethical, regulatory, and data privacy issues also complicate deployment, alongside concerns about algorithm reliability and surgeon trust in autonomous recommendations.
Looking ahead, the combination of AI and AR is expected to expand into robot-assisted surgery, real-time navigation systems, smart implants, and individualized rehabilitation monitoring. Advances in algorithm accuracy, sensor integration, and wearable technologies could make AI/AR guidance more seamless and intuitive, further reducing operative time and errors. Collaborative efforts among clinicians, engineers, and policymakers will be key to overcoming current barriers, with the ultimate goal of making orthopedic surgeries safer, more efficient, and tailored to each patient’s anatomy and recovery needs.
