Shoulder and Elbow Surgery: Clinical Updates and Digital Transformation

Dear Colleagues,

Shoulder and elbow surgery increasingly integrates digital technologies across the entire patient pathway—from initial assessment via interventions to postoperative follow-up and outcome prediction.

Artificial intelligence (AI)-driven clinical decision support systems and radiological imaging analysis promise more accurate diagnosis and patient stratification at an early stage. Building on this, digital tools such as 3D planning and patient-specific solutions facilitate individualized surgical preparation, while navigation, robotic-assisted systems, or augmented reality may enhance intraoperative precision and reproducibility. This digitally supported continuum extends into the postoperative phase, where digital PROMs and wearable technologies can enable continuous monitoring of recovery and functional outcomes.

In parallel, large-scale registry data and big data analytics generate valuable insights into outcomes, complications, and quality of care, supporting evidence-based and personalized treatment strategies. AI further contributes to imaging analysis, prediction models, and treatment planning, while large language models are beginning to influence clinical workflows and research. Looking ahead, digital twins may soon enable patient-specific simulation, risk prediction, and continuous optimization of treatment strategies.

This Special Issue shall highlight current clinical advances and explore the opportunities and challenges of a digitally supported approach to shoulder and elbow surgery.

Prof. Dr. David Alexander Back
Guest Editor

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