Patient Perceptions of Robotic-Assisted Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Among Orthopaedic Outpatient Attendees: A...

Robotic-assisted arthroplasty has been introduced to improve the precision and reproducibility of implant positioning in joint replacement surgery. While clinical and economic evaluations continue to expand, little is known about patient perceptions of this technology, and no Irish data currently exist. This study evaluates patient awareness, attitudes, and expectations regarding robotic-assisted joint replacement in an Irish tertiary orthopaedic center.

A cross-sectional paper-based survey was administered to adult patients attending elective orthopaedic outpatient clinics between August and November 2025. The questionnaire assessed awareness, perceived risks and benefits, willingness to undergo robotic-assisted surgery, and views on surgeon vs robot control using yes/no questions and 0-10 Likert scales. Descriptive and comparative analyses were performed.

A total of 117 patients participated. Awareness of robotic-assisted arthroplasty was modest, with 38.5% reporting prior knowledge of the technology. Most patients (87.2%) wished to be informed if a robot were involved in their operation, yet only 11.1% would change surgeons to access robotic-assisted surgery. Awareness significantly influenced expectations: those who had heard of robotics anticipated better outcomes (6.5 ± 1.8 vs 5.0 ± 2.1, P < .001), less postoperative pain (4.8 ± 1.5 vs 5.7 ± 1.8, P = .006), and lower risk (4.7 ± 2.1 vs 5.8 ± 2.3, P = .019) than those unaware. Perceptions of invasiveness, operative time, cost, recovery, and robot independence did not significantly differ. Age did not influence awareness or perception across any domain.

This first Irish study demonstrates low awareness and mixed optimism toward robotic arthroplasty. Prior awareness is associated with more favorable expectations, while trust in the surgeon remains central.