Spine Surgeon Using AI To Predict Post-Op Pain Management
This article from Becker’s Spine Review outlines what spine surgeon Corey Walker, MD is doing with artificial intelligence in collaboration with Cedars-Sinai Department of Computational Biomedicine.
Historically, a patient’s range of motion and ability to move has been the primary factor in determining pain outcomes in post-op patients. However, the AI and machine learning that Dr. Walker is using can focus on other factors to predict which patients will be more or less likely to need additional pain management help after surgery.
“Machine algorithms are able to use several factors including blood pressure, age, and medical and medication history to determine pain management outcomes. As the machines test their own algorithms against patient outcomes, they will continue to update and improve methodology, creating more accurate predictions down the line.”
A huge benefit of this knowledge from the AI and machine learning is that physicians can better advise on pain medication usage for patients that might have a harder time weaning off of them. Knowing which patients have a higher risk for dependency could significantly mitigate this risk. Physicians can switch up the type of pain medication used before surgery, instead of only being able to course correct after surgery.
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