19.06.2025

AI in medicine: Will I soon be treated by a robot surgeon?

Whether in the operating room or for automatically recording consultations, artificial intelligence has arrived in medicine. In this interview, orthopaedic surgeon Dr Eric Reiss explains the role AI plays in his field, where its opportunities lie and where its limits are. He also addresses topics such as data protection and patient communication, which play an important role in the latest developments.

1. AI is everywhere these days. What does it mean when someone talks about AI in medicine?

Dr Reiss: When someone talks about AI in medicine, you can imagine that artificial intelligence technologies are being used to support or improve medical processes. This can include analysing large amounts of patient data, assisting with diagnoses, developing personalised treatment plans or automating administrative tasks. The aim is to make medical care more efficient, more accurate and more individualised.

2. What role does AI currently play in your field of expertise, orthopaedics?

Dr Reiss: Artificial intelligence (AI) is now used in various areas of orthopaedics, although it has not yet been implemented as standard in all operations. AI is particularly well established in preoperative planning, image analysis and robotic assistance systems, and is increasingly being integrated into intraoperative and postoperative applications.

Here are some examples of where AI is already being used:

Presurgical planning and image analysis

AI algorithms assist in the analysis of X-ray, CT and MRI images to make more accurate diagnoses and improve the planning of procedures. AI is used in particular for knee and hip TEPs (total endoprostheses) to determine the optimal implant angle.

Robotic assistance during surgical procedures

Although not technically AI in the traditional sense, robotic systems such as the MAKO robot are used in knee and hip TEPs and utilise AI-supported planning to enable precise procedures.

Intraoperative assistance

AI systems help surgeons with navigation, detection and orientation during surgery, for example when determining the axis during knee or spinal surgery.

Postoperative monitoring and prognosis

AI models are used to predict healing processes or detect complications at an early stage, for example in monitoring after joint replacement surgery.

3. Where and how do you use AI in your everyday work?

Dr Reiss: We use intraoperative support for navigation during total knee replacement surgery in the form of augmented reality. This tool has already been used on more than 10'000 patients and enables accurate alignment of axes, rotations and inclinations. During implantation, it works with an accuracy of over 92 %. However, control remains with the surgeon via a headset and parallel data collection and monitoring on a computer. This gives the entire surgical team additional control and security. We are currently using the second generation of this technology, called PIXEE, and have already had the opportunity to test the next generation. This procedure is already replacing complex preliminary examinations such as costly MRI scans and/or the manufacture of patient-specific guides, thereby increasing efficiency for both patients and surgeons.

4. Has AI significantly changed your everyday life to date?

Dr Reiss: Yes, indeed, we find it very helpful in our practice. We also see that patients have a better understanding of the surgery and the necessary accompanying measures. Furthermore, documentation is improved and simplified.

5. Will AI change your everyday life in the future?

Dr Reiss: We assume so. We are open to developments, but sometimes we also see problems due to the rapid pace of innovation. It is important to think through existing processes and innovations thoroughly and completely in advance.

6. The use of AI often raises ethical and data protection concerns. How do you view this issue?

Dr Reiss: That's not an easy question in the age of social media. In my opinion, medical data will continue to be a protected asset in the future. Who gets access to what, who is allowed to evaluate which data for what purposes, and when? Reconciling this asset with the rapid pace of innovation will require a great deal of foresight.

7. Will we soon be operated on by robots instead of doctors?

Dr Reiss: I can only speak for my own field, but I don't think we're there yet.

Currently, to stick with the example of knee prosthetics, the practitioner needs to take into account the patient's medical history, clinical condition, social and professional needs, imaging, leg axes, soft tissues, ligament tension, neighbouring joints, comorbidities, the types of implants to be used and much more in order to be able to proceed in the best interests of the patient.

About Dr med Eric Reiss

«Never stand still» – that is Dr Reiss's motto. As a specialist in orthopaedics and traumatology of the musculoskeletal system, he has been a partner at the PhysioReha Mitteland orthopaedic practice for 19 years. Dr Reiss has additional training in sports medicine and a degree in health economics. He and his colleagues have been successfully providing medical care to the EHC Olten ice hockey team for 20 years.