Given the success of the first volume of the Research Topic: 'Digitalisation and AI in Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation 4.0', and the rapidly evolving subject area, we are pleased to announce the launch of a second volume of this topic.

In the wake of technological advancements, digitalization and artificial intelligence (AI) are notably transforming the healthcare landscape, particularly in orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation. The digital revolution, catalyzed by the escalation of the Covid pandemic, has accentuated the potential of advanced technologies in enhancing patient care. Telemedicine has emerged as a crucial tool in augmenting patient-surgeon interaction and fostering interprofessional communication. Furthermore, the ongoing integration of sensor technologies, augmented reality, advanced computing, and robotics is revolutionizing medical practices. However, despite these advancements, the transition to fully integrated digital solutions in orthopedic care remains in its nascent stages, requiring extensive research and validation to optimize and standardize these technologies for clinical use.

This Research Topic aims to establish a comprehensive foundation for what is termed as Orthopedic Surgery 4.0, focusing on the intersection of digital technology and patient care improvements in musculoskeletal disease management. The goal is to explore recent innovations and analyze both their potential advantages and the challenges they present in real-world medical settings. By fostering discussions on the latest technologies, this collection seeks to propel the field of orthopedic surgery towards more personalized, efficient, and patient-centered approaches.

To gather further insights in this rapidly evolving field, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- The impact of digitalization in orthopedic surgical procedures and rehabilitation, examining enhancements in patient-centric healthcare delivery.
- The application of AI, machine learning, and deep learning in enhancing diagnostic and treatment accuracies.
- The role of virtual and augmented reality in simplifying complex surgical procedures.
- Evaluation of robotics as assistants in surgical environments or as independent operatives.
- Analysis of wearable sensor technologies and their utility in monitoring and rehabilitation phases of musculoskeletal diseases.
- Digital advancements in medical education and training, focusing on both healthcare providers and patients.
- Utilization of surgical data science and big data analytics in orthopedic surgery.

This compilation seeks contributions ranging from theoretical frameworks and engineering innovations to applied research, aiming to chart the future trajectory of orthopedic care in the digital age.

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Frontiers in Surgery

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