Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (27): 7203-7209.doi: 10.12307/2026.427

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Deep learning in bone imaging diagnosis

Zhang Xin, Zhang Meishu, Ge Miao, Sun Jianhao, Lyu Longlong, Gao Peng   

  1. Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang 261000, Shandong Province, China

  • Received:2025-12-06 Accepted:2026-01-03 Online:2026-09-28 Published:2026-05-26
  • Contact: Gao Peng, MS, Attending physician, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang 261000, Shandong Province, China
  • About author:Zhang Xin, MS, Attending physician, Weifang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Weifang 261000, Shandong Province, China

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Deep learning methods have made breakthrough progress in the field of bone imaging diagnosis. They have overcome the problems of easy misdiagnosis and low efficiency in traditional bone imaging diagnosis methods, and are conducive to the popularization of intelligent diagnosis methods in orthopedics.
OBJECTIVE: To review the application, advantages and disadvantages of deep learning in the diagnosis of common bone diseases. 
METHODS: Literature published from January 2021 to June 2025 on deep learning-assisted skeletal image diagnosis was retrieved from CNKI, WanFang, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. Chinese and English search terms included “artificial intelligence, deep learning, machine learning, computer-aided diagnosis, skeletal imaging, fracture, bone tumor, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, synovitis, spinal, cartilage, classification, detection, segmentation.” According to the inclusion criteria, 76 articles were finally included in this review.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Deep learning models have become powerful tools for bone imaging diagnosis and are gradually gaining recognition from clinicians, improving the efficiency of bone imaging diagnosis. Deep learning technology uses its image feature capture ability to help improve the clinical diagnosis of fractures, bone tumors, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, synovitis, spinal lesions and other diseases, providing reference for clinicians to make decisions. Although deep learning diagnostic applications have great potential, they are prone to the problem of insufficient generalization ability of the model, relying heavily on a large amount of labeled data, which leads to a lack of credibility of the model and thus hinders its clinical promotion and application. Future research should focus on enhancing the robustness of models and improving their generalization ability. In conclusion, deep learning has certain reference value in clinical skeletal imaging diagnosis.

Key words: ">skeletal image, deep learning, artificial intelligence, medical imaging diagnosis, orthopedic diseases, review ,

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