When a teenage girl complained of wrist pain following a serious multi-vehicle freeway collision, her mother AJ Kay turned to Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok — and the AI spotted what two medical professionals had missed: a clear fracture in the distal radius.
What Grok Found That Doctors Missed
After urgent care staff and a radiologist reviewed the X-rays and found no fractures, Kay's daughter's pain continued to worsen. Kay uploaded the X-ray images to Grok, which identified a visible fracture line in the distal radius — the forearm bone just above the wrist.
When Kay questioned whether Grok might be confusing a growth plate for a fracture, the AI stood firm, describing the fracture as "quite obvious." It also recommended consulting a healthcare professional for a full evaluation and treatment plan.
Specialist Confirms AI's Diagnosis
Kay followed up with a wrist specialist, who corroborated Grok's findings through additional X-rays and a physical examination. The confirmed diagnosis was a distal radial head fracture with dorsal displacement — a serious injury.
The specialist noted that without prompt treatment, the fracture could have required surgery and caused lasting complications. Because it was caught in time, the injury was treated with a cast, potentially sparing the teenager months of pain and an invasive procedure.
AI as a Medical Second Opinion
The case, which Kay shared on X (formerly Twitter), reignited debate about the role of artificial intelligence in healthcare. Supporters argue AI tools like Grok can serve as accessible second opinions, helping patients advocate for themselves when initial diagnoses fall short.
Medical professionals, however, urge caution. Tests conducted by Dr. Laura Heacock, a breast radiologist, found Grok performed poorly on mammograms and MRIs, producing no correct diagnoses. Other physicians reported errors including a missed tuberculosis diagnosis and a misidentified shoulder injury.
The Broader Case for AI-Assisted Healthcare
The incident illustrates both the potential and the limits of AI in medical settings. Grok's ability to flag a missed fracture demonstrates how AI tools can add value when used alongside — not instead of — qualified clinicians.
As AI continues to mature, its strongest role in healthcare may be precisely this: catching what humans occasionally miss, and prompting patients to seek the specialist care they need.
