Fig. 6: Subgroup analysis by age in AI and doctor groups.

A, B Within both AI and Doctor groups, younger patients (<45 years) showed significantly higher knowledge scores compared to older patients (≥45 years), while satisfaction and expectation scores were comparable. C, D Between-group comparisons revealed that, among younger patients, the AI group demonstrated significantly higher knowledge scores than the Doctor group with no significant differences in satisfaction or expectation. In older patients, no significant differences were observed between groups. E GAD-7 scores declined steadily over time in all subgroups, with no significant age- or group-related differences at any time point. F Younger patients in the AI group achieved significantly greater improvement in function scores at 1-month post-op suggesting enhanced early physical recovery. G For PCS, younger AI patients consistently outperformed others at 1 and 3 months, with statistically significant differences versus younger Doctor-group patients. H No significant differences in MCS were observed across any subgroup or time point.