Across large populations, unnecessary MSK surgery often results from identifying high-risk members too late in the care journey.

When average employee tenure is less than a year, savings that take multiple years to materialize are difficult to rely on. MSK is different. Surgical escalation can happen quickly, and procedures like injections and surgery are among the largest drivers of near-term MSK spend.

This whitepaper explains how Sword's AI Care reduces unnecessary surgery within the plan year by combining evidence-based digital physical therapy with proactive identification of members at risk of escalation. The result is earlier access to conservative care, fewer low-value procedures, and more reliable near-term cost impact.

What this whitepaper helps you decide

This whitepaper helps organizations consider whether AI care can reduce unnecessary MSK surgery within a single plan year, and how to apply that approach across high-turnover populations where timing determines financial impact.

Key learnings inside the whitepaper

• What nationwide matched-cohort claims evidence shows about reducing MSK surgery within 12 months
• How early identification improves access to conservative MSK care
• Why MSK is one of the few benefit categories where plan-year savings are realistic
• How employers, health plans, and consultants can apply this model across diverse populations