Exploring the role of artificial intelligence in orthopedic medical education: A narrative review

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming orthopedic medical education by enhancing diagnostic accuracy, surgical training, and personalized learning. This narrative review explores AI's applications, including machine learning (ML) and computer vision for interpreting imaging studies, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) for immersive surgical simulations, and natural language processing (NLP) for streamlining clinical workflows. AI-powered tools offer objective feedback, adaptive learning modules, and risk-free environments for skill acquisition, bridging gaps in traditional training methods. However, challenges such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the need for robust validation remain. Ethical considerations, including patient trust and trainee over-reliance on AI, must also be addressed. Despite these barriers, AI democratizes access to high-quality education, particularly in resource-limited settings, through cloud-based platforms and mobile applications. The future of AI in orthopedics is promising, with advancements in predictive analytics, robotic-assisted surgery, and haptic feedback technologies poised to further revolutionize training. Collaborative efforts among educators, clinicians, and developers are essential to ensure responsible integration. This review highlights AI's potential to reshape orthopedic education while emphasizing the importance of preserving the mentor-trainee relationship and fostering evidence-based adoption.