No technological advance in history has progressed as rapidly as artificial intelligence (AI) in recent years, with AI undergoing exponential growth. The development of AI is driving unprecedented waves of innovation in healthcare. In only a few years, AI has become an important topic in medical research, with growing efforts to explore its potential for practical clinical applications. In particular, with AI being widely applied in medical imaging analysis, this review briefly introduces the basic concept of AI, the operating principles and the principal components of AI currently applied. In addition, this study analyzed the recent research results on AI-based ultrasound application technology, and the current trends and limitations, particularly in the musculoskeletal or orthopedic field, and suggests future development directions.