Deep-Learning-Based Automated Rotator Cuff Tear Screening in Three Planes of Shoulder MRI

Artificial intelligence in shoulder and elbow surgery: overview of current and future applications

Artificial intelligence (AI) is amongst the most rapidly growing technologies in orthopedic surgery. With the exponential growth in healthcare data, computing power, and complex predictive algorithms, this technology is poised to aid providers in data processing and clinical decision support throughout the continuum of orthopedic care. Understanding the utility and limitations of this technology is vital to practicing orthopedic surgeons, as these applications will become more common place in everyday practice. AI has already demonstrated its utility in shoulder and elbow surgery for imaging-based diagnosis, predictive modeling of clinical outcomes, implant identification, and automated image segmentation. The future integration of AI and robotic surgery represents the largest potential application of AI in shoulder and elbow surgery with the potential for significant clinical and financial impact. This editorial's purpose is to summarize common AI terms, provide a framework to understand and interpret AI model results, and discuss current applications and future directions within shoulder and elbow surgery.

Editorial Commentary: Subtle Degenerative Tears That So Commonly Involve the Upper Third of the Subscapularis Are Oftentimes Missed

Subtle degenerative tears that so commonly involve the upper third of the subscapularis are oftentimes missed. However, there are physical examination, imaging, and arthroscopic findings that are highly suggestive of subscapularis tearing. Positive belly-press and bear hug tests, a thinner and longer subscapularis tendon, subscapularis muscle, belly loss of bulk or fatty infiltration, narrow coracohumeral distance, and biceps pathology are indicative. Artificial intelligence-based predictive algorithms can estimate the likelihood of subscapularis tearing based on a combined analysis of these and other features. Improved outcomes should logically be expected for those shoulders with subscapularis tears that are identified and repaired. Finally, some research suggests that debridement remains an alternative to repair; however, pending future research, debridement is not the author's preferred treatment.