Exactech, a US-based medical technology firm, has unveiled new research that highlighted the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and radiomic analyses in shoulder arthroplasty.
The company also announced new advances in its Active Intelligence ecosystem of smart technologies.
The findings were presented at the 35th Congress of the International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty (ISTA) in Nashville, Tennessee.
Machine learning techniques, like clustering, were used to analyse CT-derived radiomic data combined with patient demographics.
This analysis helps identify muscle classifications that predict clinical outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty.
One study examined deltoid radiomics from CT scans of 1,382 patients. It identified five distinct deltoid clusters linked to varying levels of motion before and after surgery.
This method can be applied to other muscles and bones, Exactech said. It can synthesize image data in a way that is easily interpreted by clinicians using preoperative planning software.
Two additional studies focused on 3D deltoid morphology. They correlated radiomic data with thresholds for clinical improvement, pinpointing radiomic measures associated with better outcomes after shoulder arthroplasty.
According to the medical technology firm, this information could assist in developing future clinical decision-support tools.
Exactech extremities senior vice president Chris Roche said: “Exactech’s presentation of its latest AI-driven research exemplifies our commitment to advancing orthopaedic science and clinical knowledge through novel technology and patient-focused analytic techniques.
“Exactech has an amazing team of data scientists and research engineers focused on quantitatively analysing clinical data such as our ExactechGPS CT images, alongside our multi-centre clinical research data.
“The application of this research will facilitate the development of new clinical decision support tools that will profoundly change how surgeons treat their patients.”
The company also discussed advancements in knee and ankle surgical technologies.
Notable developments include the Newton knee balancing system and GPS accuracy for total ankle arthroplasty.
These technologies, integrated with Exactech’s AI, provide data-driven solutions aimed at improving patient outcomes.
Exactech introduced the Newton knee balancing system for knee replacement patients last month.
In May this year, the medical technology company completed the first total knee replacement surgeries using its updated ExactechGPS hardware.
