Application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Diagnosing Scaphoid Fractures: A Systematic Review

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare has sparked interest in its potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics. This systematic review explores the application of AI and machine learning (ML) techniques in diagnosing scaphoid fractures, which account for a significant percentage of carpal bone fractures and have important implications for wrist function. Scaphoid fractures, common in young and active individuals, require an early and accurate diagnosis for effective treatment. AI has the potential to automate and improve the accuracy of scaphoid fracture detection on radiography, aiding in early diagnosis and reducing unnecessary clinical examinations. This systematic review discusses the methods used to identify relevant studies, including search criteria and quality assessment tools, and presents the results of the selected studies. The findings indicate that AI-driven methods can improve diagnostic accuracy, reducing the risk of missed fractures and complications. AI assistance can also alleviate the workload of medical professionals, improving diagnostic efficiency and reducing observer fatigue. However, challenges such as algorithm limitations and the need for continuous refinement must be addressed to ensure reliable fracture identification. This review underscores the clinical significance of AI-assisted diagnostics, especially in cases where fractures may be subtle or occult. It emphasizes the importance of integrating AI into medical education and training and calls for robust data collection and collaboration between AI developers and medical practitioners. Future research should focus on larger datasets, algorithm improvement, cost-effectiveness assessment, and international partnerships to fully harness the potential of AI in diagnosing scaphoid fractures.