While the use of artificial intelligence applications in the field of health is becoming widespread, experts point out that the answers received from these systems should not be considered as a definitive diagnosis or treatment recommendation.
Prof. from Memorial Kayseri Hospital Orthopedics and Traumatology Department. Dr. Fatih Karaaslan stated that artificial intelligence may be useful in simplifying medical information and preparing patients for examination, but it cannot replace physician evaluation.
“IF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SAYS IT SO, IT IS TRUE” MISTAKE
Stating that some patients applied to orthopedic outpatient clinics saying, "I asked the artificial intelligence, my meniscus was torn; surgery might be required," Karaaslan stated that accepting artificial intelligence answers as a definitive diagnosis could lead to wrong results.
It was pointed out that just because the artificial intelligence responds in a convincing and clear manner does not necessarily mean that the medical evaluation given is correct.
A MENISCULE TEAR ON MRI IS NOT ENOUGH FOR SURGERY
Karaaslan stated that one of the common misconceptions in orthopedics is that the imaging result is directly translated into a treatment decision.
Karaaslan emphasized that seeing a meniscus tear on MRI does not mean that surgery is required; He noted that the patient's age, the type of trauma, whether there is locking in the knee, the condition of the cartilages and the restrictions experienced in daily life should be evaluated together.
Similarly, he stated that the same treatment cannot be applied to every patient with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament, and that not every person with arthritis in their knee may be suitable for knee prosthesis.
WHAT CAN'T ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SEE?
Stating that artificial intelligence can make MRI reports more understandable and explain medical terms, Karaaslan pointed out that systems cannot directly evaluate the physical condition of the patient.
Stating that findings such as the patient's gait, swelling in the knee, muscle strength or locking that occurs during the examination require clinical evaluation, Karaaslan stated that information such as medications used and past surgeries cannot be known by artificial intelligence unless shared by the user.
“THE DECISION IS MADE BY THE DOCTOR, NOT THE ROBOT”
Reminding that robotic knee and hip surgery is used in orthopedics, Karaaslan said that robotic systems help the surgeon implement his plan precisely, but do not decide who will be operated on.
Similarly, he emphasized that artificial intelligence can analyze and present information, but it is the physician who combines it with the patient's personal and clinical condition and turns it into a medical decision.
ASK ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ABOUT “JUDGMENT”, BUT PREPARATION FOR THE EXAMINATION
Karaaslan stated that patients do not need to stay away from artificial intelligence completely, what is important is the purpose for which the systems are used.
Stating that instead of asking the artificial intelligence to make a direct diagnosis, it can be asked to explain the possible reasons, show the missing information, list the symptoms that should be applied to the health institution and prepare the questions to be asked to the doctor, Karaaslan noted that the artificial intelligence should not be asked for a "judgment" but preparation for the examination.
Karaaslan also warned that identity information and confidential health documents should not be randomly uploaded to artificial intelligence systems where it is unknown how the data is processed. He also underlined that medications should not be discontinued or changed without a physician's recommendation based on artificial intelligence responses.
