The best mobile apps for Orthopedic Surgeons

TopOrthoApps_com_-_Mobile_App_Reviews_for_Orthopaedic_Surgeons2014 marked release of notable orthopedic app releases, improvements (Healio)

In our opinion, 2014 marked a turning point in the development of orthopedic-focused mobile apps from experimental to a well-established avenue for reaching patients and surgeons. As such, we witnessed the development and release of high quality, high value apps that have the potential to significantly impact and enhance the orthopedic experience as a patient, trainee or surgeon. This blog will review some of the most notable app releases and improvements from 2014.

Last year, we reviewed Insights Orthopedics, a dynamic magazine and content aggregator for orthopedic surgeons. This year, Insights Orthopedics released v2.0, which included significant enhancement and improvements in the product. In our previous review, we highlighted the appealing user interface and expansive search capabilities. All of these features and benefits remain; however, the app now has an improved much smoother user interface and includes the ability to login with an institutional license at thousands of universities worldwide. This now expands the app’s capabilities to provide full-content access to anyone affiliated with a university library. In addition, there is a new section titled “leading journals” to quickly obtain the most relevant literature in one place. The “journal clubs” section has expanded to include monthly selection from prominent university training programs. We encourage readers to download Insights Orthopedics for literature searches and reading from an iPad.

Another notable release this year is the JBJS Journals app from the well-known publication, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS). This app includes browsing access to the journal’s four publications: JBJS, JBJS Reviews, JBJS Essential Surgical Techniques, and JBJS Case Connector. Browsing is easy, and similar to other journal apps. Abstracts and search functionality is available to all users, and those with individual or institutional access have access to full-text and PDF downloads. Certainly the release of this app has been expected considering the shift toward digital publications. We are happy to see that one of the most prominent orthopedic journals is now available while on-the-go.

The AO Foundation continues to be committed to orthopedic education with release of a new app, OrthoGeriatrics, which focuses on the perioperative care of geriatric fracture patients. This app is well organized and provides recommendations based on the highest level of available evidence. The app includes four modules: osteoporosis, delirium, anticoagulation and pain management (in development). Each module walks the patient through a decision tree analysis to ensure patients receive the most appropriate treatment to reduce complications and enhance outcomes in each respective category. References to literature and decision-making tools are available throughout the app. The app is free and available for both iOS and Android.

Surgical simulation apps are more popular and now demonstrate a high level of sophistication and accuracy as educational tools. This year we took notice of two apps: BoneDoc and Touch Surgery. Both apps include impressive 3-D rendering engines that provide a realistic simulation of performing common orthopedic procedures. BoneDoc focuses specifically on plate and screw fixation of hip fractures, while Touch Surgery has an orthopedic section with an expanding list of more than 15 orthopedic procedures. The apps walk users through simulated surgery, allowing you to “learn the steps” in a casual and interactive way. While a touch screen obviously cannot replicate actually operating, the apps are impressive in their ability to teach the basic principles and general steps for junior residents preparing for a case.

Enhancements have also been seen this year for patient education apps. We have previously highlighted 3D4Medical’s suite of anatomy apps, as well as Orca Health’s suite of musculoskeletal injury apps. This year, we have recognized improvements in both platforms to focus more on surgeon-centered patient education. The apps have both been expanding their library of orthopedic injuries and procedures, and improving their user interface for an easier and smoother experience. We encourage readers to learn more about 3D4Medical and Orca Health’s new products as they continue to improve.

The ongoing development of high quality orthopedic-focused mobile apps is exciting and offers the potential to improve patient education, communication and care. We look forward to what 2015 has to bring. We will continue to keep readers abreast of the latest updates in orthopedic technology.

Matthew DiPaola, MD, is an assistant professor and shoulder and elbow specialist in the Department of Orthopedics at Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He is a writer for iMedical Apps and co-founder of Touch Consult, a developer of team-based medical software to improve signout. He can be reached at matthew.dipaola@wrightstatephysicians.org.

Orrin I. Franko, MD, is a PGY5 orthopedic resident at UC San Diego. He has an interest in promoting mobile technology within orthopedic surgery and founded the website www.TopOrthoApps.com to help surgeons and trainees find the most relevant orthopedic apps for their mobile devices. He can be reached at orrin@toporthoapps.com.

Disclosures: Franko and DiPaola have no relevant financial disclosures.

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