Exploring the role of artificial intelligence in anterior cruciate ligament injuries in high-performing & elite athletes.

Abstract

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries dramatically impact athletes and sporting organisations. Artificial Intelligence (AI) driven systems, such as those leveraging machine learning (ML) algorithms into wearable devices are showing promise in orthopaedic surgery from high level to the elite athlete population. The application of AI solutions has the potential to revolutionise injury risk assessment in elite sport by identifying abnormal movement patterns and providing real-time feedback during training with the potential to identify early, players at risk of career-ending injuries. This review comprehensively explores the role AI may have in addressing ACL injury burden in elite sport through the entire patient care pathway, from injury to return to sport and optimising performance. In addition, rehabilitation strategies, offering personalised recovery plans and monitoring progress to reduce reinjury rates and provide the clinician with useful, up-to-date knowledge of AI's capabilities in elite sports are explored. While AI holds immense potential, clinicians must remain cognisant of its limitations, external validity and generalisability before implementation into clinical practice.