The age of intelligence-based spine care is here
20 October 2020
AO Spine Research invites you to a leading-edge event on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in spine. The webinar will provide an understanding of the concepts of AI and ML, their current applications, and future direction in the management and predictive modelling of spine patients.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning—Cutting-Edge Applications in Spine
November 24, 2020 from 15:00 CET
Moderators: Dino Samartzis, Daniel Sciubba
Speakers: Fabio Galbusera, Morgan Giers, Christopher Ames, Joseph Schwab
"We have entered the age of “intelligence-based spine care' where the use of AI and the multiple dimensions of ML are taking center stage," says the AO Spine Research Commission Chairperson Dino Samartzis. "As such, it is important for the clinician and researchers alike to become familiar with such technology and its applications."
Christopher Ames, one of the leading surgeons in the field of AI, says that the surgeon of the future will be something more than man and machine working together. "We have entered the age of augmented intelligence in spinal surgery at the point of care. The surgeon of the future will be a hybrid organism, a chimera, with augmented hands and, even more importantly, an augmented brain capable of predicting the patient's future."
“The surgeon of the future will be a hybrid organism, a chimera, with augmented hands and, even more importantly, an augmented brain capable of predicting the patient's future.”
Christopher Ames
Webinar will explore practical examples
Predictive models are becoming more and more common, and it is important to understand how they are made and how to assess their veracity. Joseph Schwab says this webinar "will present and explain commonly utilized metrics used in predictive analytics that all surgeons should understand before using them. AI and ML will become more integrated into clinical practice via the Electronic Health Record and this webinar will help surgeons understand how to assess and demystify aspects of predictive analytics."
Daniel Sciubba reminds that surgeons are always looking for ways to improve the outcomes of patients. "Unfortunately, we cannot integrate all the many factors that can affect outcomes. AI and ML may be essential keys to unlocking such potential."
Morgan Giers agrees. "AI and ML are the latest tools available to improve the treatment of patients. They will save ourselves time and expand our knowledge about disease. AO Spine is organizing this event to show examples of how these tools might be used in everyday practice."
“AI and ML will become more integrated into clinical practice via the EHR and this webinar will help surgeons understand how to assess and demystify aspects of predictive analytics.”
Joseph Schwab
Exceeding human performance
Current deep learning techniques already widely exceed human performance in several applications, and the future promises an even brighter outlook. "The use of AI tools in spine radiology can reduce cognitive diagnostic errors due to bias, insufficient expertise, pressure to be productive, mood, and tiredness, leading to a general decrease of missed diagnoses and false positives," Fabio Galbusera says.
AI and ML are based on running algorithms through big data and AO Spine Research is dedicated to harnessing the power of big data in spine surgery. According to Sciubba, calculators will be incorporated in all our devices soon. "As we evaluate our patients, we will soon have deeper analysis provided by our electronic patient record software, even before we see our patients. For instance, imaging patients being flagged for potential complications or benefits prior to consultation. AI and ML will be the tools by which such advanced evaluations of patients are possible."
“As we evaluate our patients, we will soon have deeper analysis provided by our electronic patient record software, even before we see our patients.”
Daniel Sciubba
"This is the future of spine!" Samartzis says. "We need to have clinicians and researchers working alongside and collaborating across borders."
Samartzis sees wide cross-functional collaboration as the way to make leaps forward in new discoveries and in improving patient management and outcomes that can have a global impact. The webinar is relevant for spine surgeons and researchers alike.
"Everyone is welcome and can benefit!"
“The age of big data and precision spine is here. The community must work together to understand where we are and where we are headed.”
Dino Samartzis
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning—Cutting-Edge Applications in Spine
November 24, 2020 from 15:00 CET
Moderators: Dino Samartzis, Daniel Sciubba
Speakers: Fabio Galbusera, Morgan Giers, Christopher Ames, Joseph Schwab
Chair: Dino Samartzis (RUSH, USA) Co-Chair: Daniel Sciubba (Johns Hopkins, USA) Presenters:
Christopher Ames (UCSF, USA) Joseph Schwab (Harvard, USA) 
Morgan Giers (Oregon State University, USA) 
Fabio Galbusera (Galeazzi, Italy)