Smartphone Apps for Orthopaedic Surgeons

Abstract

Background The use of smartphones and their associated applications (apps) provides new opportunities for physicians, and specifically orthopaedic surgeons, to integrate technology into clinical practice. Purpose The purpose of this study was twofold: to review all apps specifically created for orthopaedic surgeons and to survey orthopaedic residents and surgeons in the United States to characterize the need for novel apps. Methods The five most popular smartphone app stores were searched for orthopaedic-related apps: Blackberry, iPhone, Android, Palm, and Windows. An Internet survey was sent to ACGME-accredited orthopaedic surgery departments to assess the level of smartphone use, app use, and desire for orthopaedic-related apps. Results The database search revealed that iPhone and Android platforms had apps specifically created for orthopaedic surgery with a total of 61 and 13 apps, respectively. Among the apps reviewed, only one had greater than 100 reviews (mean, 27), and the majority of apps had very few reviews, including AAOS Now and AO Surgery Reference, apps published by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and AO Foundation, respectively. The national survey revealed that 84% of respondents (n = 476) have a smartphone, the majority (55%) have an iPhone, and that 53% of people with smartphones already use apps in clinical practice. Ninetysix percent of respondents who use apps reported they would like more orthopaedic apps and would pay an average of nearly $30 for useful apps. The four most requested categories of apps were textbook/reference, techniques/guides, OITE/board review, and billing/coding. Conclusion The use of smartphones and apps is prevalent among orthopaedic care providers in academic centers. However, few highly ranked apps specifically related to orthopaedic surgery are available, and the types of apps available do not appear to be the categories most desired by residents and surgeons.

Review of Neurosurgical Smartphone Applications 2012

“…In comparison to orthopaedic apps, with 61 apps in total and 17 apps with over ten reviews 3 , there were far fewer neurosurgical apps available. Given the number of ratings were given for the neurosurgical apps, these were likely also less popular.…”

“…It has been used for education and clinical decisions for orthopaedic surgeons 3 , paging doctors in hospitals, 4 and assessing wounds. 5 There has also been clinical use of consumer technology in neurosurgery, with video conferencing shown to be effective in aiding consultations 6 .…”

Letter To The Editor: Smartphone Apps for Orthopaedic Surgeons

“…Although Franko reported that there are few specific highly ranked orthopaedic apps available [5], we think there are numerous applications that may be used to meet the needs of an orthopaedic trainee.…”

“…We read with interest the article ''Smartphone apps for Orthopaedic Surgeons'' by Franko in the July 2011 issue of CORR 1 [5]. We welcome any technology that would augment surgical training and lead to prudent use of time and resources, and even more so in the UK health system.…”

Reply To Letter to the Editor: Smartphone Apps for Orthopaedic Surgeons

“…In fact, since the initial publication of ''Smartphone apps for Orthopaedic Surgeons'' in July 2011 [3], much has changed in the realm of available orthopaedic apps. A followup study specifically examining iPad apps [4] and another review of orthopaedic apps [1] were published.…”