Evaluation of a Large Language Model's Ability to Assist in an Orthopedic Hand Clinic.

BACKGROUND: Advancements in artificial intelligence technology, such as OpenAI's large language model, ChatGPT, could transform medicine through applications in a clinical setting. This study aimed to assess the utility of ChatGPT as a clinical assistant in an orthopedic hand clinic. METHODS: Nine clinical vignettes, describing various common and uncommon hand pathologies, were constructed and reviewed by 4 fellowship-trained orthopedic hand surgeons and an orthopedic resident. ChatGPT was given these vignettes and asked to generate a differential diagnosis, potential workup plan, and provide treatment options for its top differential. Responses were graded for accuracy and the overall utility scored on a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: The diagnostic accuracy of ChatGPT was 7 out of 9 cases, indicating an overall accuracy rate of 78%. ChatGPT was less reliable with more complex pathologies and failed to identify an intentionally incorrect presentation. ChatGPT received a score of 3.8 ± 1.4 for correct diagnosis, 3.4 ± 1.4 for helpfulness in guiding patient management, 4.1 ± 1.0 for appropriate workup for the actual diagnosis, 4.3 ± 0.8 for an appropriate recommended treatment plan for the diagnosis, and 4.4 ± 0.8 for the helpfulness of treatment options in managing patients. CONCLUSION: ChatGPT was successful in diagnosing most of the conditions; however, the overall utility of its advice was variable. While it performed well in recommending treatments, it faced difficulties in providing appropriate diagnoses for uncommon pathologies. In addition, it failed to identify an obvious error in presenting pathology.

Providing Orthopaedic Care to Vulnerably Underserved Patients: AOA Critical Issues.

ABSTRACT: Implementation of the Affordable Care Act has increased the number of Americans with health insurance. However, a substantial portion of the population is still considered underserved, including those who are uninsured, underinsured, and those who are enrolled in Medicaid. The patients frequently face substantial access-to-care issues. Many underlying social determinants of health impact this vulnerable, underserved population, and surgeons must understand the nuances of caring for the underserved. There are numerous opportunities to engage with this population, and providing care to the indigent can be rewarding for both the vulnerably underserved patient and their surgeon.

Review of 88 nail gun injuries to the extremities.

BACKGROUND: Nail guns have been employed since 1959 to speed construction work, but with the increased productivity came an increasing number of injuries associated with the device. The majority of reported cases occur to the extremities. METHODS: Our study retrospectively examines 88 cases of nail gun injuries to the extremities collected from a 4-year period. Radiographs and charts were used to collect data on anatomic site, type of treatment, type and duration of antibiotic treatment, and outcomes. RESULTS: We found that infections associated with nail gun injuries were relatively rare (n=3) and in our study were limited to those patients who presented later than the day of injury. The majority of injuries were to the hand and knee (38.6% and 28.1%, respectively). No significant vascular or neurological injuries were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that simple emergency room removal of the nail with local debridement and a short course of antibiotics is appropriate in most cases. The exception to this is where there is intra-articular or neurovascular involvement, then operative debridement is recommended.

Ipsilateral combination Monteggia and Galeazzi injuries in an adult patient: a case report.

Monteggia fractures represent approximately 1 to 2 percent of forearm fractures, whereas Galeazzi fractures represent 3 to 6 percent. The combination of these injuries in the same extremity is an exceedingly rare occurrence. We report a case of ipsilateral combination Monteggia and Galeazzi fractures in an adult patient. The patient was treated with anatomic reduction and rigid internal fixation. The radius was stabilized with a 3.5-millimeter dynamic compression plate (Synthes USA, Paoli, PA, U.S.A.) and the olecranon with tension band fixation. The radiocapitellar and distal radioulnar joint relationships were restored; the fractures healed; and the patient proceeded to obtain a satisfactory functional result at one year.