Abstract
The use of robotics is a growing area within the field of surgery, especially in orthopaedics.
To date, there is no literature examining orthopaedic trainee perception of or comfort
with robotics in orthopaedics. An assessment of the next generation's attitudes regarding
this technology is necessary. An anonymous, national, web-based questionnaire containing
16 multiple-choice questions and 25 5-point Likert's scale questions was sent to 66
Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)-approved orthopaedic
residency training programs. The survey was designed to discern the attitude of orthopaedic
trainees toward robotics. Demographics, extent of exposure and training, and trainee
perception regarding robotics were collected. A bivariate analysis using Pearson's
Chi-square test or Fisher's was used to determine factors associated with trainee's
future plans to use robotics. A total of 280 trainees completed the survey (response
rate of 18%). Also, 67.9% have been exposed to and 42.9% trained to use robotics in
surgical training. Of those trained, 44.4% were given increasing autonomy to use the
technology. Further, 67.1% of trainees do not feel comfortable using robotic technology;
however, 71.4% believe robotics has the potential to facilitate their education. Over
90% believe that robotic technology is here to stay. While residents have legitimate
concerns about robotic implementation in orthopaedics, the majority of residents and
fellows believe robotics will be a part of the future. However, few feel they receive
adequate training or experience with the technology.
Keywords
robotics - orthopaedics - residency training - technology - surgical training - survey
