Orthopedics is entering a new era as surgeons navigate rapid advances in technology alongside evolving care models. From artificial intelligence to 3D printing and population health, physicians see transformative changes on the horizon.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Question: What do you see as the biggest disruptor in orthopedics over the next five years?
Bassel Diebo, MD. Spine and Scoliosis Surgeon and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedics at the Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University (Providence, R.I.): The biggest disruptor will be AI-driven precision surgery platforms that combine predictive analytics with real-time surgical guidance. These systems will optimize implant selection, predict patient-specific outcomes and guide decisions intraoperatively. The convergence of imaging AI, digital twin technology and outcome prediction models will transform spine surgery by reducing complications and improving efficiency. Practices that adopt AI-augmented workflows early will gain significant advantages in quality and operations.
Yale Fillingham, MD. Hip and Knee Replacement Surgeon and Vice Chair of Research at Rothman Orthopaedics (Philadelphia): Artificial intelligence will be the most transformative disruptor in orthopedics. AI will soon touch every phase of patient care — from scheduling and matching patients to surgical sites, to guiding personalized perioperative pathways and tailoring recovery protocols. It will also enhance patient engagement and education, providing real-time feedback. By driving efficiency and personalization, AI will elevate outcomes across the specialty.
Kenneth Gundle, MD. Orthopedic surgeon at the Portland VA Medical Center and Program Director at Oregon Health and Science University (Portland, Ore.): 3D printing will continue to reshape orthopedics in both practice and education. Custom implant creation is now streamlined, expanding its clinical utility. At-home and office-based 3D printers also offer new opportunities for teaching and training. Looking ahead, advances could fundamentally change how we think about implant inventory. While software has great value, the tangible remains critical to our field.
Vishal Hegde, MD. Associate Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of Clinical Research in the Adult Reconstruction Division at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore): The biggest disruptor will be the integration of AI into clinical practice models. Applications range from decision-support tools and documentation assistance to patient-facing chatbots. By automating repetitive tasks, AI can reduce provider burden and increase efficiency. While ethical implementation will be a challenge, AI has enormous potential to augment safety and effectiveness in patient care.
Robin Kamal, MD. Medical Director of Accountable Care and Population Health, Chase Hand Center, Stanford Health Care (Palo Alto, Calif.): The disruptor will be the aging population paired with accountable care models that measure quality alongside cost. With CMS introducing the [transforming episode accountability model] and proposing an ambulatory specialty model for low back pain, I anticipate commercial payers will follow suit. Orthopedic practices will increasingly be measured not just on outcomes but also on value.
Jason Koh, MD. Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of the Orthopaedic and Spine Institute at Endeavor Health (Evanston, Ill.): AI will transform diagnosis, documentation and prognosis. Research shows AI can already accurately diagnose meniscus tears and ACL injuries, and this capability will expand. We are also leveraging AI to ease documentation burden and to predict patient outcomes, guiding better decision-making.
Albert Lin, MD. Chief of Shoulder Surgery and Associate Chief of Sports Medicine at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center: AI will completely alter the landscape of medicine. From real-time documentation with AI-generated notes, to big data analysis that drives research and outcome prediction, to radiologic interpretation, AI will change how we practice. Harnessed positively, it promises to be one of the most exciting disruptors in the coming decades.
