Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric

Right now most work in orthopedic surgery still needs a human doctor. AI tools mainly help with parts of the job. For instance, computer programs can analyze scans (X-rays, MRIs) to spot fractures or plan implants faster and accurately ^{[1] [1]}.

These tools can flag possible issues or suggest how to align an implant, but the surgeon still reviews the results and makes the final decision. In the operating room, robot-assisted systems are growing. New knee-replacement robots approved in 2025 can guide a surgeon’s tools to hit the right angles ^{[2] [1]}.

In practice, a surgeon “follows established techniques” while the robot helps make cuts more precise and steady. AI even helps with paperwork: one study found AI wrote post-surgery notes more accurately than doctors did ^[2], saving surgeons time. However, things like choosing sedatives or personally examining a patient still rely on the doctor’s training and judgment.

Likewise, talking with other doctors and deciding referrals haven’t been handed over to machines. In short, AI is being used mostly as an assistant for image analysis, surgical navigation, and documentation ^{[1] [1]}. Surgeons still lead patient care, using their expertise and communication in ways computers cannot.

There are reasons AI will likely grow in orthopedics, but also reasons it moves cautiously. On the “can-do” side, major companies are investing heavily. For example, medical-device makers are buying robot firms to build semi-autonomous surgery tools ^{[2] [2]}.

Experts forecast a boom in surgical robots (over $16 billion market by 2030 ^[2]), suggesting prices may fall and tech will improve over time. In busy hospitals where surgeons are in high demand, AI can ease some burdens – for instance by reading images faster or helping with repetitive tasks. This economic push (surgeons command high salaries, and AI could cut errors or recovery times) drives interest in such tools.