Applications of Machine Learning to Imaging of Spinal Disorders: Current Status and Future Directions.

Abstract

Narrative review. We aim to describe current progress in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to provide automated analysis of imaging in patients with spinal disorders. A literature search utilizing the PubMed database was performed. Relevant studies from all the evidence levels have been included. Within spine surgery, artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies have achieved near-human performance in narrow image classification tasks on specific datasets in spinal degenerative disease, spinal deformity, spine trauma, and spine oncology. Although substantial challenges remain to be overcome it is clear that artificial intelligence and machine learning technology will influence the practice of spine surgery in the future.