Artificial intelligence in orthopaedic education: a narrative review

Abstract

Background and objective: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education is reshaping traditional learning paradigms. In orthopaedic surgery, AI applications such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) simulations and intelligent tutoring systems are being utilized to enhance training. This review aims to explore the current applications, benefits, challenges, and future directions of AI in orthopaedic education, while also addressing relevant ethical and logistical considerations.

Methods: A targeted literature review was conducted using PubMed, prioritizing studies published in 2024 and including relevant articles from 2023. Search terms included "artificial intelligence", "orthopaedic education", "surgical simulation", and related keywords. Studies were selected based on relevance to orthopaedic surgery education, with a particular focus on surgical skill acquisition, diagnostic training, and curriculum development. Both peer-reviewed and selected non-peer-reviewed sources were analyzed to synthesize current trends and emerging practices. Relevant articles were also identified using manual reference searching.

Key content and findings: The review highlights a positive shift in attitudes toward AI among educators and learners, particularly for its ability to simulate surgical environments safely and personalize learning. Current applications include AI-powered VR/AR platforms for realistic procedural training, intelligent tutoring systems that tailor feedback to individual learning gaps, and tools for enhancing diagnostic reasoning. Despite these advances, challenges remain, including concerns about overreliance on technology, institutional readiness, and the need for adjustments to the curriculum.

Conclusions: AI presents a transformative opportunity for orthopaedic education by enabling safer, more personalized, and more efficient learning. While current applications show promising results in improving both knowledge and technical skill, ongoing evaluation, thoughtful integration, and structured implementation are necessary to maximize educational value while addressing limitations and ethical concerns.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence (AI); education technology; medical training; orthopaedic education; personalized learning.