Attitude of aspiring orthopaedic surgeons towards artificial intelligence: a multinational cross-sectional survey study

Abstract: Introduction
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perspectives of aspiring orthopaedic surgeons on artificial intelligence (AI), analysing how gender, AI knowledge, and technical inclination influence views on AI. Additionally, the extent to which recent AI advancements sway career decisions was assessed.

Materials and methods
A digital survey was distributed to student members of orthopaedic societies across Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. Subgroup analyses explored how gender, AI knowledge, and technical inclination shape attitudes towards AI.

Results
Of 174 total respondents, 86.2% (n = 150) intended to pursue a career in orthopaedic surgery and were included in the analysis. The majority (74.5%) reported ‘basic’ or ‘no’ knowledge about AI. Approximately 29.3% believed AI would significantly impact orthopaedics within 5 years, with another 35.3% projecting 5–10 years. AI was predominantly seen as an assistive tool (77.8%), without significant fear of job displacement. The most valued AI applications were identified as preoperative implant planning (85.3%), administrative tasks (84%), and image analysis (81.3%). Concerns arose regarding skill atrophy due to overreliance (69.3%), liability (68%), and diminished patient interaction (56%). The majority maintained a ‘neutral’ view on AI (53%), though 32.9% were ‘enthusiastic’. A stronger focus on AI in medical education was requested by 81.9%. Most participants (72.8%) felt recent AI advancements did not alter their career decisions towards or away from the orthopaedic specialty. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between AI literacy (p = 0.015) and technical inclination (p = 0.003). AI literacy did not increase significantly during medical education (p = 0.091).

Conclusions
Future orthopaedic surgeons exhibit a favourable outlook on AI, foreseeing its significant influence in the near future. AI literacy remains relatively low and showed no improvement during medical school. There is notable demand for improved AI-related education. The choice of orthopaedics as a specialty appears to be robust against the sway of recent AI advancements

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch
• Notes: Archives of orthopaedic and trauma surgery. - 144, 8 (2024) , 3541-3552, ISSN: 1434-3916

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (where): Freiburg
• (who): Universität
• (when): 2024
• Creator: Pawelczyk, Johannes ; Kraus, Moritz ; Eckl, Larissa ; Nehrer, Stefan ; Aurich, Matthias E. ; Izadpanah, Kaywan ; Siebenlist, Sebastian ; Rupp, Marco-Christopher

Further information

• DOI: 10.1007/s00402-024-05408-0
• URN: urn:nbn:de:bsz:25-freidok-2566187
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 25.03.2025, 1:53 PM CET