A recent incident has highlighted the potential of AI in medical diagnostics. A U.S. woman, AJ Kay, reported that Elon Musk’s AI chatbot, Grok, identified a fracture in her daughter’s wrist that medical professionals had initially missed.
Following a car accident, Kay’s daughter experienced significant arm pain. Despite visits to urgent care and X-rays, both the attending doctor and radiologist found no fractures, diagnosing it as a soft tissue injury. However, Kay remained concerned due to her daughter’s persistent symptoms, including coldness, tingling, and immobility in her thumb.
Seeking further insight, Kay utilized Grok by uploading the X-rays and inquiring about abnormalities. Grok identified a “clear fracture line in the distal radius.” Armed with this information, Kay consulted a wrist specialist, who confirmed the distal radial head fracture with dorsal displacement. The specialist noted that without timely treatment, surgery might have been necessary—a scenario now likely avoided thanks to the AI’s intervention.
This case has sparked discussions about the role of AI in healthcare, with some praising its diagnostic potential and others urging caution. While AI tools like Grok can offer valuable second opinions, they are not substitutes for professional medical advice. It’s essential to consult healthcare professionals for accurate diagnoses and treatment.
