AI vs. Orthopaedic Experts in Femur Fracture Management: A Comparative Stud

Published Date : 16/10/2025 

This study examines the management recommendations provided by ChatGPT for patients with intracapsular neck of femur (NOF) fractures, comparing them to the decisions made by orthopaedic experts. 

The field of orthopaedics is continuously evolving, with advancements in technology playing a significant role in improving patient outcomes. One of the most intriguing developments in recent years is the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in medical decision-making. This study focuses on a specific application of AI, comparing the management recommendations provided by ChatGPT for patients with intracapsular neck of femur (NOF) fractures to those made by orthopaedic experts.

Intracapsular neck of femur (NOF) fractures are a common and serious injury, particularly among the elderly. These fractures can lead to significant morbidity and mortality if not managed effectively. Traditional management involves a multidisciplinary approach, where orthopaedic surgeons, geriatricians, and rehabilitation specialists work together to provide the best possible care. However, the advent of AI offers a new dimension to this process.

ChatGPT, a powerful AI language model, has shown promise in various medical applications, including diagnostic and treatment recommendations. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of ChatGPT in providing management recommendations for NOF fractures. The research team presented ChatGPT with a series of clinical scenarios involving NOF fractures and compared its recommendations to those made by a panel of experienced orthopaedic experts.

The clinical scenarios were designed to mimic real-world situations, ranging from straightforward cases to more complex ones with multiple comorbidities. The AI's recommendations were assessed based on several criteria, including the accuracy of the diagnosis, the appropriateness of the treatment plan, and the consideration of patient-specific factors such as age, comorbidities, and functional status.

The results of the study were mixed. In straightforward cases, ChatGPT's recommendations were largely consistent with those of the orthopaedic experts. However, in more complex scenarios, the AI's recommendations were less reliable. The AI often failed to consider the full spectrum of patient-specific factors, leading to recommendations that might not be optimal for individual patients.

Despite these limitations, the study highlights the potential of AI in augmenting the decision-making process in orthopaedics. While ChatGPT may not yet be ready to replace human expertise, it can serve as a valuable tool to support clinicians in their daily practice. For example, AI can help in generating initial treatment plans, which can then be refined by human experts.

The study also underscores the importance of continuous improvement in AI models. As AI continues to evolve, it is likely that future iterations will be better equipped to handle complex clinical scenarios. This could lead to more personalized and effective patient care, ultimately improving outcomes for patients with NOF fractures and other orthopaedic conditions.

In conclusion, while AI, particularly ChatGPT, has shown promise in providing management recommendations for NOF fractures, it is not yet a substitute for the expertise of orthopaedic professionals. However, when used as a supportive tool, AI can enhance the decision-making process and contribute to better patient outcomes. Further research and development are needed to refine AI models and integrate them seamlessly into clinical practice.

Accuray, Inc., a leading provider of advanced radiation therapy solutions, has been at the forefront of developing technologies that improve patient care. Their commitment to innovation aligns with the goals of this study, which seeks to explore the potential of AI in orthopaedics. By combining the strengths of AI and human expertise, the medical community can continue to advance the standard of care for patients with complex conditions like NOF fractures. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What is an intracapsular neck of femur (NOF) fracture?

A: An intracapsular neck of femur (NOF) fracture is a break in the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) that occurs within the hip joint capsule. These fractures are often seen in older adults and can lead to significant complications if not treated properly.

Q: How does ChatGPT provide medical recommendations?

A: ChatGPT is an AI language model that can generate text based on the input it receives. When presented with a clinical scenario, it can provide recommendations for diagnosis and treatment based on its training data and the information provided.

Q: What were the key findings of the study?

A: The study found that ChatGPT's recommendations were generally consistent with those of orthopaedic experts for straightforward cases. However, in more complex scenarios, the AI's recommendations were less reliable, often failing to consider all patient-specific factors.

Q: Can AI replace human expertise in orthopaedics?

A: While AI, including ChatGPT, has shown promise in providing management recommendations, it is not yet a substitute for human expertise. AI can serve as a valuable tool to support clinicians but should not replace them entirely.

Q: What is the future of AI in orthopaedics?

A: The future of AI in orthopaedics is promising. As AI models continue to improve, they can better handle complex clinical scenarios and contribute to more personalized and effective patient care. Continuous research and development are essential to achieve this goal. 

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