Patient Perception of Robotic Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Qualitative Study

摘要

Introduction: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most commonly performed orthopedic surgeries. The goal of robotic-assisted technology is to optimize outcomes through preoperative planning, ensuring accuracy in component sizes and precision in bone cuts. There is a paucity of literature that addresses patient perceptions of this new technology. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess why patients choose to undergo robotic-assisted TKA. Methods: All patients who underwent robotic-assisted TKA between July 1, 2017, and December 31, 2018, were given a 12-question survey to complete. The final cohort consisted of 76 patients composed of 51 women and 25 men with a mean age of 71 years (range, 51–88 years). All de-identified data was evaluated and tabulated for assessment. Results: Eighty-three percent stated they would recommend undergoing robotic-assisted TKA as opposed to conventional TKA with 72% stating the main influencer in their decision was physician input. Fifty-seven percent stated they thought their components would be placed in a more optimal position using robotics. Sixty-two percent believed they would achieve better outcomes with robotic TKA as opposed to their conventional counterparts. Among outcome questions, 55% believed they would have less pain with robotic-assisted TKA. However, the majority of the cohort stated they would have no difference in length-of-stay or infection risk compared to manual TKA. Exactly 50% of patients stated there would be similar operating room time between robotic and manual TKA. Discussion: The vast majority of our cohort believed there were benefits in opting for robotic-assisted TKA. Future studies should evaluate how attitudes and beliefs may influence patient-reported satisfaction and outcomes in the long term.