The COVID-19 pandemic created a persistent surgical backlog in elective orthopedic surgeries. Artificial intelligence (AI) uses computer algorithms to solve problems and has potential as a powerful tool in health care. AI can help improve current and future orthopedic backlogs through enhancing surgical schedules, optimizing preoperative planning, and predicting postsurgical outcomes. AI may help manage existing waitlists and increase efficiency in orthopedic workflows.