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AI is making inroads in orthopedic oncology, from spotting suspicious tumors on imaging to guiding robotic surgery and easing documentation burdens. But experts say the technology works best as a "force multiplier" — enhancing surgeon judgment, not replacing it. Rigorous validation remains essential given the rarity and complexity of musculoskeletal tumors.
Artificial intelligence is finding a growing role across the orthopedic oncology care continuum, according to R. Lor Randall, MD, FACS, of UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center. In an interview with OncLive, Randall outlined how AI-based imaging analysis could help flag suspicious musculoskeletal lesions on X-rays, CTs, and MRIs — speeding referrals to specialists and potentially reducing unplanned excisions of malignant tumors. Beyond diagnosis, AI-enabled segmentation and robotic surgery could improve the precision of bone resections and implant placement, especially in complex pelvic and periarticular cases where millimeters matter.
Still, Randall was clear: AI is a co-pilot, not the captain. Surgeons must retain responsibility for oncologic judgment — determining margins, interpreting unexpected findings, and adapting when plans change. He also highlighted practical near-term wins, including AI-assisted documentation, tumor board prep, and clinical trial recruitment, all of which could free up more time for meaningful patient interaction.
Key Takeaways:
Why it matters: Musculoskeletal tumors are rare and complex, often first encountered by non-specialists. AI tools that improve early detection and surgical precision could meaningfully improve outcomes — but only if developed and validated with the same rigor applied to any other clinical intervention.
