Effect of AI-Assisted Anatomical Visualization on Anxiety and Kinesiophobia in Knee Arthroplasty Patients

Overview

Total knee arthroplasty (TDA) is an effective surgical method applied to reduce pain, improve joint function, and enhance quality of life in patients with advanced osteoarthritis or joint degeneration. However, it is known that surgical success is not limited to the operation itself; pre- and post-operative processes are at least as important as the surgical technique. In particular, active patient participation, early mobilization, and adherence to exercises during the rehabilitation period directly affect treatment outcomes. Patient education plays a critical role in this process. Accurate and sufficient information reduces patients' anxieties about the surgical process and increases their confidence in the recovery process. It also prevents the development of kinesiophobia (fear of movement), supporting patients in participating in physical activity more quickly and safely. Patient education can be provided through various methods. Traditional approaches include face-to-face clinical training, verbal information provided by nurses or physiotherapists, written brochures, and visual materials. While this standard clinical training is effective in conveying basic information, it may have limitations in patients' ability to recall information and adapt it to daily life. In recent years, technology-based training methods have gained increasing importance. In particular, AI-assisted video-based anatomical visualization training can present the structure of the surgery, the placement of the prosthesis, and the movement mechanism to patients in a more understandable and visual way. Such interactive and visually rich training offers advantages in terms of increasing patients' knowledge levels, reducing anxiety, and strengthening their participation in treatment. In conclusion, success after total knee arthroplasty depends not only on the surgical intervention but also on effective patient education. Comparing standard clinical training with AI-assisted visual training methods constitutes an important area of research for improving patient outcomes.

This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effects of different patient education methods on anxiety and kinesiophobia in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The study will be conducted with adult patients scheduled for elective total knee arthroplasty surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned into three groups. The first group will receive standard clinical education, which includes routine preoperative and postoperative verbal information, written educational materials, and conventional nursing or physiotherapy counseling. The second group will receive video-supported education in addition to standard clinical education, using structured educational videos to enhance understanding of the surgical and rehabilitation process. The third group will receive AI-assisted anatomical visualization training, which includes interactive video content enhanced with artificial intelligence-based anatomical modeling to improve visualization of the joint structure, prosthesis placement, and functional recovery. All interventions will be delivered in the preoperative period. Standard care will continue for all groups as part of routine clinical practice. Primary outcomes are anxiety and kinesiophobia levels, which will be assessed using validated measurement scales at baseline and during postoperative follow-up. Secondary outcomes may include patient satisfaction with education and adherence to rehabilitation exercises. The aim of the study is to compare the effectiveness of standard education, video-supported education, and AI-assisted anatomical visualization training in reducing psychological barriers and improving recovery outcomes after total knee arthroplasty.