My Knee Injury

A patient-focused app on knee pain and exercises

MyKneeInjury appears to be focused towards patients with knee pain, and includes an aspect of product sales suggesting it may be commercially motivated.  The app is organized in 12 icon tiles with titles such as “identify injury,” “treatment,” and “flexibility.”  When selecting on injury identification, for example, the user is given the option to select the area of pain (front, inside, outside, back) with each topic describing a generic clinical vignette suggestive of a specific diagnosis.  As all medical providers know, diagnosing knee complaints is certainly not as easy as “picking from a list,” questioning the apps intention.  Once a diagnosis is selected, general information is presented about the injury, general treatment and healing time information, and a link to useful products for sale from a medical distributor.  I suspect this may reflect the app’s true objective.  Overall, I believe the app’s utility is minimal and is unlikely to significantly assist patients who need any more than the description for a few stretches and exercises.

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ACL Rehab

Patient-focused information about ACL rehab stages and exercises

The ACL Rehab app is a relatively comprehensive and detailed resource for patients who may need additional guidance regarding their ACL injury.  Unfortunately the publisher is not named, but this app appears to come from a relatively reliable medical provider.  The home screen includes general information about ACL ruptures and information about surgical treatment and graft options.  It is written from the perspective of a surgeon advising a patient.  Next, the app describes stages of rehabilitation starting from Prehab, and continuing through various weeks of recovery culminating in “Return to Sport” at 6-9 months.  Within in each stage, specific exercises are recommended and described/shown.  These can be added to one’s personalized “My Workout” for quick access and review.

For patients who may be looking for physical therapy guidance, this app has appropriate medical information and recommendations.

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Biolox Inside

Company information about biolox ceramic implants

Biolox has produced this information app to give providers detailed product information regarding their ceramic implant component and designs. The app is well-made and include very technical information regarding the shape, size, and cautions with using their ceramic products for hip, knee, and shoulder arthroplasty.  The app includes numerous videos, 3D animations, and booklet handouts on the topics of wear, fretting corrosion, implants, and results.  Overall an informative app for medical providers who want to learn more about these implants.

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SS Carpal Tunnel

Explanation and information about limited open carpal tunnel syndrome

This app, created by Surgery Squad, is a cute and useful educational tool for educating patients about carpal tunnel syndrome.  Unfortunately, the information in the app is not all entirely accurate as it draws a very strong link between computer use and carpal tunnel syndrome and suggests that release of transverse carpal ligament alleviates all “inflammation” of the median nerve.  Using cartoon-like graphics and user interaction, the app asks you to “perform” the procedure through the various steps of a standard carpal tunnel utilizing a carpal tunnel-tome.  The steps are overall reasonable, but obviously reflect the specific preferences of the design surgeons, such as use of non-absorbable sutures and a post-operative splint with return to activity in 4-6 weeks.   Overall, this may be a useful app to recommend to patients considering a carpal tunnel release, especially if the technique closely matches your own.

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Orthopedics Patient Education by CoherentRX

Orthopedics Patient Education by CoherentRX   

Anatomy and Educational tool 

CoherentRX  has created an app to help orthopaedic surgeons and their workforce improve patient education and comprehension. CoherentRX Orthopedics has multiple features: 3-D anatomy visuals, drawing tools to mark visuals, photo and screenshot uploads as well as text and email info that is HIPAA compliant. While all of these features are powerful tools the app lacks ease to use. CoherentRX Orthopedics is very well priced $2.99/year (one of the cheaper patient educational options) however it is not the best patient educational tool on the market. While it has multiple features that are useful, the lack of disease specifics educational modules makes it difficult to actually use in practice. I applaud CoherentRX on making an Orthopedic app that has the potential to improve patient comprehension and education, however the app is still behind other players in the market.

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https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/medibabble/id355398880?mt=8

ASSH HandCare

Patient handouts for upper extremity conditions made by the ASSH.

The American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) is one of the first orthopaedic specialty societies to take a pro-active role in tablet-based patient education with release of HandCare.  The app is free, simple to understand, and easy to use.  The library of documents covers 60 of the most popular topics treated by upper extremity surgeons.  Each hand out is 1 page and includes a combination of images and text explaining cause, diagnosis, and treatment for each pathology or procedure.  The handouts are very clear and well written.  In addition, basic annotation tools including highlighting, underlining, strike-out, comments, and free-writing are provided allowing the surgeon to modify or customize these as needed, and then save a custom version as a bookmark for future access.  Once a document is selected, it can be easily shared via email as a PDF.  The app even includes 5 “anatomy templates” for sketching/teaching from a model of a hand or upper extremity muscles or bones.  Overall, a very useful app that should be duplicated by other orthopaedic specialty societies.

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Xrays in MPS

Information about xray findings in patients with mucopolysaccharidosis

This app is developed by BioMarin and includes basic information about skeletal dysplasia in mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS).   The information tabs include general disease information, basic science, and images of hips, spine, shoulders, hand, and other bone deformities in the disease.

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Hand.MD

A personal practice app for Dr. Orrin Franko with patient information, videos, and peri-operative as well as post-operative rehabilitation education.

This personal practice app is a full-featured patient portal for Dr. Orrin Franko. Powered by CARE, the app provides a personalized website and personalized physical therapy/rehabilitation protocols for patients.   The app is incredibly comprehensive by providing information to patients about their surgery, their surgeon, and lists the exercises they should be performing week-by-week after surgery with complete video demonstrations.  Pre- and post-operative information is available to patients, and the post-operative physical therapy protocol is clearly organized for patients to reference either at home or at the gym.  The user interface is intuitive and visually appealing. Overall, the application has been well implemented and would be a great benefit to any patients of Dr. Franko.

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TOA – Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance

A personal practice app for the Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance.

This is a personal practice app for the Tennessee Orthopaedic Alliance.  The user interface is refined and intuitive, and the current features include requesting an appointment, calling the office, linking to the TOA website,  a patient portal, and inbox/message functionality.  The features all appear to work as expected without any significant issues.

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Throw Like a Pro

Baseball throwing injury prevention app released by Dr. James Andrews and Dr. Kevin Wilk

In response to the increasing rates of “Tommy John” surgery as a result of throwing injuries, this app has been released to help young baseball players prevent injuries and safely participate in sports.  The purpose of this app is to provide information about safe participation that keeps players out of the operating room.

The app includes an overview of baseball throwing injuries, statistics, and general guidelines for prevention.  The app then divides recommendations into Pre-Season and In-Season sections.  In Pre-Season, videos are included that demonstrate how to perform 5 different stretching exercises, with instructions to complete them daily.  Next, the player performs the “Throwers Ten” which includes videos of 20 more exercises that should be performed with 10 repetitions, 3-4 times/week.  Lastly, there is advice for a throwing progression with a module that talks the player through the distance and number of throws to build up.

The In-Season module includes a warm up with stretching (same videos), a thrower’s ten band workout (more videos), a throwing warm up and a pitching warm up.  The app includes a pitch-count tool which can be modified for the patient’s age, rest days, and maximum pitches desired (and advised).

Overall, the app has a very high production quality and includes important information from leading surgeons in the field of throwing injuries. They estimate a 60% reduction in throwing injuries if used properly.

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PhysioMD

Physical Therapy app created by orthopaedic surgeons for specific injuries.

This app is designed to be “Rehab where you want it, when you want it.”  The app organizes therapy into different phases for different injuries, and specific therapy packages can be purchased individually for each injury.  To get started, the user selects their gender, injured area, and mechanism of injury – which presumably influences the injuries that are presented on the following page. Once an injury is selected, the exercise package can be purchased and installed for about $7.99. For shoulder instability, for example, there are 4 phases: Acute, Mobility/Strengthening, Strengthening/Limited, and Return to Sport. The app developers require the user to confirm that he/she has completed the previous objectives before advancing.  Once into each module, an extensive list of exercises are shown with images, description, and links to high-quality videos demonstrating the exercise.

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Kayal Orthopaedic

Personal practice app for Kayal Orthopaedic Center in New Jersey.

This is a typical orthopaedic practice app for the Kayal Orthopaedic Center in New Jersey. The app includes general information such as location, phone number, contact information, photos, videos, and inquiry forms.

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HC Chang Orthopedics

Personal practice app for Dr. Chang, Singapore

This is a personal practice app for Dr. Chang, sports medicine specialist who practices in Singapore.  The app includes the typical information, including information about calling, emailing, location, about the surgeon, and links to the website and other resources.

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MediBabble

Medical Translator App

MediBabble is a powerful translation tool to help providers communicate with non-English speaking patients. There are many apps that provide translation tools to providers, but I have to say MediBabble is the best one on the market (and its free!). MediBabble differentiates itself with a robust database of pertinent medical phrases (including orthopaedic ones) organized in a standardized history-taking format. It does not require the user to be connected to the internet and it actually has medical phrases that are spoken to the patient from your phone. This app is probably best for intermediate language speakers who do not have the medical vocabulary to perform a complete history. Having tried the app myself I found it extremely useful as many of the phrases allow me to ask the patient close ended questions that I didn’t know ask with my mediocre spanish. Currently the app is available in Chinese, French, German Haitian Creole and Russian. Overall, a fantastic app that will help mediocre language speakers with history taking. I just wish the app would translate all that the patient was saying for me……..  but I guess that is called using translator services.

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Spine MD

A personal practice app for Dr. Todd Lanman with patient information, videos, and peri-operative as well as post-operative rehabilitation education.

This personal practice app is a full-featured patient portal for Dr. Todd Lanman, a spine surgeon in Beverly Hills. Powered by CARE, the app provides a personalized website and personalized physical therapy/rehabilitation protocols for patients.   The app is incredibly comprehensive by providing information to patients about their surgery, their surgeon, and lists the exercises they should be performing week-by-week after surgery with complete video demonstrations.  Pre- and post-operative information is available to patients, and the post-operative physical therapy protocol is clearly organized for patients to reference either at home or at the gym.  The user interface is intuitive and visually appealing. Overall, the application has been well implemented and would be a great benefit to any patients of Dr. Lanman.

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Orlando Orthopaedic

A personal practice app for the Orlando Orthopaedic Center with offices, physicians, and appointment information.

This is a personal practice app for the Orlando Orthopaedic Center.  The format is unique in that the landing page asks patients to point to “what hurts” on a silhouette of a body.  Once selecting a region, however, you still have to select the area that hurts and are then provided with a very brief synopsis of pain in that region.  The apps more useful feature includes address information for the Center’s  5 office locations, biographic information for the 17 physicians, and contact information to make an appointment.  This app is only useful for patients of this group needing an address or wanting to get in touch with their physician

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KOC – Knoxville Orthopedic Clinic

A personal practice app for the Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic.

This is a personal practice app for the Knoxville Orthopaedic Clinic.  The user interface is refined and intuitive, and the current features include requesting an appointment, calling the office, linking to the KOC website,  a patient portal, and inbox/message functionality.  The features all appear to work as expected without any significant issues.

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Cervical Spondylosis

Stretching, activity, and strengthening exercises focused on reducing symptoms of cervical spondylosis.

This interesting app provides information and demonstrations of exercises to assist with cervical spondylosis. What makes the app “unique” is the graphical presentation which, for lack of a better description, reminds me of the graphics one would find on Super Nintendo.  Nevertheless, the app includes 3 stretching exercises, 7 active exercises, and 8 strengthening exercises for the cervical spine. These includes things like trapezius stretch, isometric lateral neck flexion, or chin tucks.  Each exercise has a “video” demonstration that consists of captions while the Super Nintendo-esque graphics demonstration the motion through a series of static images.  The app has no information about the author or developer, but all exercises seem relatively common and safe. Thus, the app may be useful for individuals searching for a quick reference to cervical spine exercises.

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All-Pro Orthopedics

A personal practice app for Dr. Jesse Zisholtz Shaw with patient information, surgery education, appointment booking and a list of services.

This personal practice app is meant to serve as a patient portal for Dr. Jesse Zisholtz Shaw, an orthopaedic sports medicine physician in Tampa, Florida.  The app’s user interface is somewhat unusual, marked by a hidden menu on the right side of the screen.  Users can advance through the menu items, including a welcome screen, the ability to “ask the doctor,” appointment booking information, ability to check in, contact information, and a list of services. The “services listed” includes knee arthroplasty, knee arthroscopy, ligament reconstruction, hip replacement, shoulder replacement, and shoulder arthroscopy.  Each sub-section includes a summary of the pathology and treatment options.  The surgeon includes a few photos of (presumably) his patients as well.  The app even includes a primitive game called PicFlippr to help pass the time.  Overall, this app is a personal practice app that may be useful to current or potential patients of Dr. Zisholtz Shaw

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PingMD (updated)

HIPAA compliant messaging

PingMD is a creative app to help providers securely and efficiently communicate with patients and other providers. This app creates HIPAA compliant text-messaging. If you did not know, text messaging through your phone provider does not meet HIPAA compliance guidelines. As a result, PingMD was created to fill this void. Overall the app is very user friendly and has a clean interface. Patients and other coworkers can send messages, photos and videos to help communicate with one another. The main criticism with PingMD in my prior review was that it was cumbersome to find other coworkers and patients. *PingMD has just released an update that allows users to easily find coworkers through their current phone contact list.* This update is a powerful move by PingMD. This network based app depends on other providers and patients using the app for it to be successful. Over time as more hospital systems adapt and integrate mobile health solutions this app will likely becoming an everyday part of patient and physician interactions. 

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My Knee Guide

Patient resource for those considering knee replacement

My Knee Guide is a complete resource for patients considering knee replacement surgery. I am extremely impressed with how this app personalizes the experience of knee replacement surgery to the patient. The app has creative stories of real-world patients and their experiences of undergoing total knee arthroplasty. The in-app features include: calendar with reminders of surgery specific details and checklists, email alerts to remind patients what to do and when, location based resources of local hospitals and surgeons with SCIP protocol compliance rates and many more resources. Personally my favorite part of the app is “my surgery guide” which informs patients day by day exactly what to expect before and after their surgery. This app will assist the orthopaedic surgeon to set patient expectations and help patients stay informed throughout their treatment process. My only criticize with all the resources in the app is that patients may become overwhelmed. This is an app I plan to use with my patients to help them learn more about total knee replacement.

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Kerlan-Jobe

Easy to use app for patients to keep in touch with Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic

Kerlan-Jobe Orthopaedic Clinic based out of Los Angeles has created an app to help their patients keep in touch through an iPhone/iPad device. The app is easy to use and allows patients to read up on Kerlan-Jobe physicians and see where other practices are located. The app does a great job including relevant information about Kerlan-Jobe in the news and gives patients contact information and parking information about Kerlan-Jobe’s different clinic. However, the app is not as advanced as other clinic apps and doesn’t include any patient information about rehab services or surgery specific information. I was particularly disappointed that the app also did not allow patients to make appointments through the app interface itself and required users to call the scheduling desk or have the scheduling desk call them. Overall a nice app for Kerlan-Jobe patients, but not the best one on the market.

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OrtoEscores

Easy app to calculate outcomes scores for patients

This is a great app to help staff calculate relevant outcome scores for patients. The app includes 30 different outcome measures that surgeons can use to help establish measures for how patients are progressing through their care. The app has the functionality to email this information to the patient and to the surgeon. However, a significant portion of the app is in Portuguese as it was originally made for use in Brazil. Also, the formatting of some of the surveys on the iPhone are not the best Overall a great app to calculate outcomes scores that will be more useful once fully translated and more functional on the iPhone.

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UCSF Center for Joint Replacement

Mobile-based post-operative rehabilitation exercises for UCSF Joint Replacement patients

UCSF has teamed up with CARE to set the standard for the future of mobile rehabilitation.  Currently implemented by the UCSF Joint Replacement program and created by physical therapists, the app provides a personalized website and personalized physical therapy/rehabilitation protocols for patients.   The app is incredibly comprehensive by providing information to patients about their surgery, their surgeon, and lists the exercises they should be performing week-by-week after surgery with complete video demonstrations.

When a patient is enrolled he/she will only see information and post-operative protocols that have been specifically selected by their surgeon.  The app itself consists of the sections described above.  Pre- and post-operative information is available to patients, and the post-operative physical therapy protocol is clearly organized for patients to reference either at home or at the gym.  Overall, the application has been well implemented

*Requires enrollment by the UCSF Joint Replacement program.

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Orthopedics Glossary

A simple glossary for medical terms related to orthopaedic surgery

This app is very simple: it provides brief descriptions and definitions for common orthopaedic terms.  In total, the app includes nearly 500 generic medical terms. Descriptions typically include one sentence.  There are no images or figures that I could find in the app.  The app has additional functionality including the ability to record notes and audio notes.  There is also the ability to share the information in an email as well as save terms as a “favorite.”  The app would be useful to members of the general public who need to define orthopaedic conditions.  But, to be quite honest, the definitions are very limited and for $0.99 better answers could be found via Google and Wikipedia.

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Orthopedics Terminology

A simple glossary for medical terms related to orthopaedic surgery

This app is very simple: it provides brief descriptions and definitions for common orthopaedic terms.  In total, the app includes about 165 terms. Descriptions typically include a few sentences to a few short paragraphs.  There are no images or figures that I could find in the app.  The only additional functionality is the ability to share the information in an email or on facebook as well as save terms as a “favorite.”  The app would be useful to members of the general public who need to define orthopaedic conditions.  But, to be quite honest, the definitions are very limited and for $0.99 better answers could be found via Google and Wikipedia.

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Wrist Repair

3D animated distal radius fracture fixation

This simple app appears to be a patient education tool by demonstrating the general steps for distal radius open reduction and internal fixation.  The app consists entirely of a single annotated 3D animation that allows the user to adjust the camera angle (zoom, pan, rotation) while demonstrating the steps for distal radius fixation.  Video includes annotated descriptions of the steps as well as multiple viewing options: surgeon view, bones only, xray view, and annotation (drawing tools).  Overall a very simple app that may be educational for patients.

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British Orthopaedic Association

Simple app to learn shoulder exam and special tests

I commend the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA) for creating a mobile app for patient and surgeon education.  The app includes modules such as news, multimedia, membership information, publications, events, etc. The app is easy to navigate and includes a somewhat eclectic collection of resources for surgeons.  This app may be moderately useful for members of the BOA.

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Coastal Orthopaedics

A practice app for Coastal Orthopaedics in Florida.

A practice app for an orthopaedic group in Florida.  This app is one of the more complete practice apps available, and includes information about the building and facilities, preparation for exams and imaging tests, physician directory with bios, location information, and the ability to make an appointment.  A very good clinical practice app.

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Gout Channel

An informative patient-education app about gout with advice about treatment and prevention.

This app includes a plethora of information about gout, risk factors, prevention and treatment.  What the app lacks in organization and user interface, it makes up with educational material and price.  The app includes 3 section: What is gout?  Why do I have gout? and What can I do about gout?  Each heading includes multiple sub-headings with useful explanations and information to answer each question.  Unfortunately, the formatting left much to be desired on my iPhone and would not fit to the screen size, requiring finger-scrolling to read every sentence.  There are also some interesting and animated images included in the text.  Specific topics can be bookmarked for easy reference and text could be highlighted and copied, but I could not find a way to email or print the information.  Overall, this is a useful app for patients interested in learning more about gout and includes valuable information about prevention.

Heel Thy Tendon

Lightweight informational app for patients with foot tendinopathy including information about the disease and treatments.

Heel Thy Tendon (creative name) was developed by an orthopaedic surgeon from Lewisburg, PA and includes general information about 4 common types of foot tendinopathy.  The app begins by asking the patient to select the area of pain and isolates either Achilles tendinopathy, posterior tibial tendinopathy, peroneal tendinopathy, or plantar fasciitis. Each section includes a powerpoint with generic information and treatment options (surgery, platelet rich plasma, shockwave therapy, and non-operative treatment).  There is also a text-based summary of each condition.  Overall, the app provides general information about four common causes of foot pain and may be useful for patients looking to learn more about chronic foot pain and to help guide them to an appropriate specialist.

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HandMD

A personal practice app for the hand surgery practice of Dr. Jeffrey Wint in Springfield, MA.

This app is a personal practice app for Dr. Jeffrey Wint.  The app includes information about Dr. Wint, including office information, location, hours, Twitter feed, and various podcasts.  A tab also includes various academic and professional achievements, including education/training information and recent awards.  Users can send a private message to Dr. Wint via the app.

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SG Sports & Ortho

A surprisingly informative general orthopaedic app made by and promoting the practice of Dr. Kevin Yip at Gleneagles Hospital in Singapore.

This app appears to be created by Dr. Kevin Yip and contains a good amount of general orthopaedic patient information.  The app itself is divided into 3 categories: injury, rehab, and videos.  The injury tab uses a tap-forward navigation scheme to selection the area and injury to learn about.  I counted about 30 topics, ranging from sciatica to carpal tunnel syndrome, Achilles tendon rupture, or ingrown toe nail.  Each sub-section includes a paragraph about the condition and information about causes, prevention, and various treatment options supplemented by images of average quality. The rehab section includes information about exercises (passive, active, lower back, and shoulder).  There is also general information about platelet-rich plasma, as well as tips about preparing for your surgery.  Overall, this app seems to be geared for Dr. Yip’s practice, but still offers some generic information for curious patients.

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Top Ortho “App”

Download the www.TopOrthoApps.com iPhone app!  You’re already on the website, why not have on-the-go access direct from your iPhone?  This app has all of the best Top Ortho App lists that you’re used to: Top Apps, Free Apps, iPad Apps, Journals, Sports Apps, and much more!  Full reviews and screenshots are all available for free.

This app has all of the best Top Ortho App lists that you’re used to: Top Apps, Free Apps, iPad Apps, Journals, Sports Apps, and much more!  Full reviews and screenshots are all available for free.

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Orthopaedic Patient Information

Very high-quality 3D anatomical models with video demonstrations of common anatomy, pathology, and treatments.

Orthopaedic Patient Information is part of the 3D4Medical’s suite of full-featured anatomy apps.  All of their apps follow a similar and intuitive format, but this one differs slightly. The relevant body part is presented with a video demonstrating the most common anatomy, conditions, and treatments.  These demonstrations are very high quality.   The level of detail and anatomical accuracy of all muscles, tendons, vessels, nerves, ligaments and bones is impressive.  Overall, the entire suite of 3D4Medical anatomy apps are the best anatomy models we have seen yet, and this patient information app is fantastic.

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Skeleton System Pro III

Full-featured 3D anatomy models with support for 3D rotation, various anatomy layers, cross-sectional slices, annotations, and video demonstrations.

Skeleton System Pro III is part of the 3D4Medical’s suite of full-featured anatomy apps.  All of their apps follow a similar and intuitive format. In the skeletal system, any region of the body is selected for a more focused view. The relevant body part is presented with skin covering, and different anatomical layers can then be “unwrapped” sequentially through the body.  The level of detail and anatomical accuracy of all muscles, tendons, vessels, nerves, ligaments and bones is impressive.  In addition to the different layers, the view can be manipulated freely.  All body parts can be rotated in the horizontal plan through 360 degrees rotation.  In addition, axial, coronal, and sagittal slices can be taken through various levels of each joint or body part.  The app includes “pins” which already identify every possible structure of every layer.  In addition, most of the apps in the series include videos demonstrating relevant surgical procedures or common pathologies.  These demonstrations are very high quality.  The app includes a “pen” feature for drawing on the screen, however doodles are not saved and disappear once the pen is turned off.  There is even a separate button to turn vessels on and off.  Overall, the entire suite of 3D4Medical anatomy apps are the best anatomy models we have seen yet, based on their accuracy, level of control, and video demonstrations.  Ideal for health care students and possibly even for surgical preparation.

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Spine Pro III

Full-featured 3D anatomy models with support for 3D rotation, various anatomy layers, cross-sectional slices, annotations, and video demonstrations.

Spine Pro III is part of the 3D4Medical’s suite of full-featured anatomy apps.  All of their apps follow a similar and intuitive format. The relevant body part is presented with skin covering, and different anatomical layers can then be “unwrapped” sequentially through the body.  The level of detail and anatomical accuracy of all muscles, tendons, vessels, nerves, ligaments and bones is impressive.  In addition to the different layers, the view can be manipulated freely.  All body parts can be rotated in the horizontal plan through 360 degrees rotation.  In addition, axial, coronal, and sagittal slices can be taken through various levels of each joint or body part.  The app includes “pins” which already identify every possible structure of every layer.  In addition, most of the apps in the series include videos demonstrating relevant surgical procedures or common pathologies.  These demonstrations are very high quality.  The app includes a “pen” feature for drawing on the screen, however doodles are not saved and disappear once the pen is turned off.  There is even a separate button to turn vessels on and off.  Overall, the entire suite of 3D4Medical anatomy apps are the best anatomy models we have seen yet, based on their accuracy, level of control, and video demonstrations.  Ideal for health care students and possibly even for surgical preparation.

Knee Pro III

Full-featured 3D anatomy models with support for 3D rotation, various anatomy layers, cross-sectional slices, annotations, and video demonstrations.

Knee Pro III is part of the 3D4Medical’s suite of full-featured anatomy apps.  All of their apps follow a similar and intuitive format.  The relevant body part is presented with skin covering, and different anatomical layers can then be “unwrapped” sequentially through the body.  The level of detail and anatomical accuracy of all muscles, tendons, vessels, nerves, ligaments and bones is impressive.  In addition to the different layers, the view can be manipulated freely.  All body parts can be rotated in the horizontal plan through 360 degrees rotation.  In addition, axial, coronal, and sagittal slices can be taken through various levels of each joint or body part.  The app includes “pins” which already identify every possible structure of every layer.  In addition, most of the apps in the series include videos demonstrating relevant surgical procedures or common pathologies.  These demonstrations are very high quality.  The app includes a “pen” feature for drawing on the screen, however doodles are not saved and disappear once the pen is turned off.  There is even a separate button to turn vessels on and off.  Overall, the entire suite of 3D4Medical anatomy apps are the best anatomy models we have seen yet, based on their accuracy, level of control, and video demonstrations.  Ideal for health care students and possibly even for surgical preparation.

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Ankle & Foot Pro III

Full-featured 3D anatomy models with support for 3D rotation, various anatomy layers, cross-sectional slices, annotations, and video demonstrations.

Ankle & Foot Pro III is part of the 3D4Medical’s suite of full-featured anatomy apps.  All of their apps follow a similar and intuitive format.  The relevant body part is presented with skin covering, and different anatomical layers can then be “unwrapped” sequentially through the body.  The level of detail and anatomical accuracy of all muscles, tendons, vessels, nerves, ligaments and bones is impressive.  In addition to the different layers, the view can be manipulated freely.  All body parts can be rotated in the horizontal plan through 360 degrees rotation.  In addition, axial, coronal, and sagittal slices can be taken through various levels of each joint or body part.  The app includes “pins” which already identify every possible structure of every layer.  In addition, most of the apps in the series include videos demonstrating relevant surgical procedures or common pathologies.  These demonstrations are very high quality.  The app includes a “pen” feature for drawing on the screen, however doodles are not saved and disappear once the pen is turned off.  There is even a separate button to turn vessels on and off.  Overall, the entire suite of 3D4Medical anatomy apps are the best anatomy models we have seen yet, based on their accuracy, level of control, and video demonstrations.  Ideal for health care students and possibly even for surgical preparation.

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Shoulder Pro III

Full-featured 3D anatomy models with support for 3D rotation, various anatomy layers, cross-sectional slices, annotations, and video demonstrations.

Shoulder Pro III is part of the 3D4Medical’s suite of full-featured anatomy apps.  All of their apps follow a similar and intuitive format.  The relevant body part is presented with skin covering, and different anatomical layers can then be “unwrapped” sequentially through the body.  The level of detail and anatomical accuracy of all muscles, tendons, vessels, nerves, ligaments and bones is impressive.  In addition to the different layers, the view can be manipulated freely.  All body parts can be rotated in the horizontal plan through 360 degrees rotation.  In addition, axial, coronal, and sagittal slices can be taken through various levels of each joint or body part.  The app includes “pins” which already identify every possible structure of every layer.  In addition, most of the apps in the series include videos demonstrating relevant surgical procedures or common pathologies.  These demonstrations are very high quality.  The app includes a “pen” feature for drawing on the screen, however doodles are not saved and disappear once the pen is turned off.  There is even a separate button to turn vessels on and off.  Overall, the entire suite of 3D4Medical anatomy apps are the best anatomy models we have seen yet, based on their accuracy, level of control, and video demonstrations.  Ideal for health care students and possibly even for surgical preparation.

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Arthrosurface

3D virtual knee models promoting Arthrosurface products.

Arthrosurface has released this app presumably for patient education and demonstration of normal and abnormal knee kinematics.  The app is very simple and opens directly to the 3D image of their knee model.  Finger swipes allow for either 360 degree rotational manipulation or range of motion.  There are 3 views: normal, disease, and surgery.  You can also elect to view the implant alone.  Overall, the app is limited in functionality and as a demonstration of knee motion and implants, there are other apps with a much greater feature set.

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Biomet Bone Model

3D virtual bone models of Biomet’s knee, hip, and shoulder solutions.

Biomet enters the world of device apps with “Bone Model” as a way to educate patients and demonstrate their knee, hip, and shoulder implants.  Each module has a 3D model that can be spun 360 degrees in real time with a finger swipe.  A slider bar along the bottom of the screen manipulates joint motion, and pins over the model identify specific structures. Each module has different demonstrations of normal anatomy, damaged anatomy (osteoarthritis), and implants.  There are options to turn on/off bones, ligaments, cartilage, and annotations.

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Stryker ARIA Spine

Animated and 3D models of the Stryker ARIA Spine system.

Stryker has expanded their diverse collection of apps with an animated technique guide for their ARIA spine system.  The app, based on Visible Body technology, offers a walk-through of their equipment and procedure with the ability to change the camera orientation, zoom, show/remove anatomical parts or surgical equipment, and provides audio and text guidance to the user.  Overall, the use of interactive 3D models makes for a pleasant user interface that is very impressive.  The app would be most appropriate for trainees preparing for a case, an operating room tech familiarizing themselves with a procedure, or a patient who wants to better understand their operation.

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VCF Mobile

Free information about vertebral compression fractures from Medtronic, including a description of balloon kyphoplasty and the Medtronic VCF product line.

The app provides general information and images about vertebral compression fractures while simultaneously promoting Medtronic’s line of VCF products.  The app runs well, and is divided into various sections, such as VCF, Product Info, Literature, Requests, and Dr. Look-up.  The general VCF information is basic level information appropriate for patients and includes drawings and videos, as well as “risks of VCF.”  In addition, there is an expended information module about balloon kyphoplasty.  The product information section includes the ability to request waiting room brochures and study abtracts.  The literature section is actually quite useful, and has 5 selected studies (obviously supporting balloon kyphoplasty) with summaries of the findings and results. Overall, the app provides some information for patients and may help surgeons reference a small subset of the available literature and request patient information material.

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OrthoNow

Practice app for Dr. Badia’s walk-in orthopaedic clinic in South Florida.

This practice-specific app is for Dr. Badia in South Florida. It includes information about the practice location, about the practice and surgeon, a brief description of services provided, some general FAQ questions, and contact information.

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Meniscus Exercises

A patient-focused app that provides information about meniscus tears and phase-oriented exercises for recovery.

The developers of the meniscus exercises should certainly be applauded for creating an informative and useful app focused on patient care and physical therapy.  The implementation is average, and navigating the app is somewhat clunky at times.  General information about meniscus injuries is provided.  The app then includes exercises based on the phase of injury and level of “protection” required.  Definitive values are provided, for example, restricting the knee from 50-90 degrees of motion during “maximum protection.”  Each exercise is demonstrated with a pseudo-animation composed of a series of images that are reminiscent of early 1990s video games.  Many of the exercises are useful for patients, while others are unnecessary, such as the demonstration for “walking.”  Overall, the app is amusing at worst, and helpful for patients at best.  It does provide ideas for exercises in patients who have already been evaluated by a physician and desire a home exercise program.

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iShoulder

A full featured app with fantastic images and information for providers and patients, as well as a drawing utility and notes/calendar sections.

This full-featured app contains a vast library of valuable images, text, and features that would be useful to surgeons, trainees, and patients.  The unassuming format includes sections for doctors, patients, and utilities.  Doctors have a number of choices, including anatomy, operative approaches, examination, tests, outcomes scores, and more.  Each category includes subsections with concise and relevant text and images.  For example, the operative approach section is very good, and includes detailed images useful for a quick review before a case; it even includes “dangers” to watch out for.  The Scores section includes a quick reference for the Constant, UCLA Shoulder, Rowe, ISIS, QuickDASH, and Oxford questionnaires.  Every section I explored included more and more useful information.  The “Patients” section is equally expansive with 10 of the most common categories of shoulder pathology presented with images and text.  Lastly, the utilities include a drawing board to demonstrate rotator cuff pathology, a voice notes recorder, personal text notes, and a calendar.  The practical utility of these functions is unclear, but I was impressed that the developer went through the effort to include these added features.  Overall, the app could benefit from a redesign, but the information hidden within the clunky navigation system is very good.

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Ombro e Cotovelo

A Portuguese-language iPhone app for orthopaedic shoulder and elbow pathology.

Unfortunately, I do not speak Portuguese and cannot evaluate this app based on its merits.  However, from playing around with the menus, this app appears to offer a significant amount of general information about shoulder and elbow pathology… in Portuguese.

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3D Consultation

Animated 3D anatomy videos demonstrated common orthopaedic pathology.

 
3D Consultation is a patient-education based tool that demonstrates orthopaedic pathologies using animated anatomical models.  The app is organized in a simple fashion with a list of Conditions on the left, which include body parts such as ankle, piriformis, hip degenerations, etc. as well as expandable categories such as knee, foot, and shoulder that include sub-categories for related injuries. For example, the shoulder sub-category includes AC joint adhesions, impingement, rotator cuff injury, and adhesive capsulitis.  When a condition is selected, the user sees a relevant 3-dimensional anatomical model on the screen with the option to “play.”  The video then plays a 10-15 second anatomic demonstration of the named pathology.  The videos are clear, concise, and educational.  Additional features within the app include the ability to email a screenshot image or markup the video with text or drawings.  The markups can later be deleted.  One unfortunate limitation is that the markup tools are limited only to a single color.  Overall, this is a simple visual educational tool for physicians and patients to better demonstrate common pathology.

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Zimmer 411

Zimmer’s product application has beautifully integrated both patient and surgeon information is a user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing design that has quickly become one of the lead orthopaedic apps on the market.  Clearly designed to promote information about Zimmer products, the app focuses on Patient Stories, Causes of Pain, Treatment Options, Know When You’re Ready, and Joint Replacement.  The integration of videos, teaching diagrams and illustrations, interactive animations, and peri-operative guidance is unmatched by other orthopaedic implant companies.  One of the strongest features of the app is the combination of patient information as well as “surgeon tools.”  By selecting the surgeon tools drop-down tab, a entirely new library of information becomes available including 3D animations, diagrams, procedure videos, product listings, and x-rays.  Overall, this app is a powerful supplement to any physician performing hip and knee arthroplasty, and especially to those who utilize or want to learn more about Zimmer products.

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iBones

Created by Buffeln.Net, this app is an expansion of the existing online testing platform based in German.  However, the app presents information in Latin and English, as well as German, and includes options for changing the language.  The organization includes iBones, the primary review module, which includes 74 images of bones with multiple choice questions.   Only names of the entire bones are included, not more advanced bony anatomy.  Other modules include statistics and search functions, as well as “specials,” which advertises coupons for the website.  Overall, this app is a cartoon-based basic bone quiz that would be most appropriate for elementary school children who want to learn about different bones in the body.  Bottom line: consider downloading this app for your kids.

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Knee Pain

Knee Pain is an app “course” created by Dr. Eric Gozna to teach his mnemonic for the 10 most common sources of knee pain: “four thought” on the knee.  The app is actually a narrated slideshow format that auto-advances through 55 slides of informational slides that include descriptions of the anatomy, as well as information about the pathology, the presentation, the diagnosis and treatment.  Some slides include video examples of a clinical exam, and some slides include review questions to reinforce concepts and lessons.  The concept of the app is novel.  Dr. Gozna’s credentials are listed on the site (an orthopaedic surgeon in Canada), however the information presented may be more credible if endorsed by an orthopaedic society.  Overall, the presentation is clear and may be most useful to students, non-orthopaedic providers, or patients interested in learning more about knee pain in a community-based practice.

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Tumorpedia Soft Tissue

This app is the “Soft Tissue” version in the Tumorpedia series, a collection of apps that serve as an encyclopedia of orthopaedic oncology.  This version includes over 14 orthopaedic soft tissue tumors.  Each topic is divided into general information, incidence and demographics, xrays, MRI, CT, pathology, differential diagnosis, and treatment.  The amount of information presented for each topic is variable, but generally a specific and informative overview of the topic is included.  The images are especially useful for demonstrating “typical” appearances on imaging exams and pathologic specimens.   The app also includes an “updated” feature, suggesting that the database may undergo regular updates in the future.  It appears that images are downloaded in real-time from a server, thus the app is of limited use when no WiFi or wireless data signal is available. As a result, some of the images did not load during my testing.  Overall, this series of orthopaedic tumor information is an inexpensive and useful reference for orthopaedic trainees, nurses, and other medical providers who diagnose and treat musculoskeletal tumors.  Because this is a first version, hopefully future versions will be available with improved functionality.

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Tumorpedia Lite

This app is the free version in the Tumorpedia series, a collection of apps that serve as an encyclopedia of orthopaedic oncology based on www.bonetumor.org.  This version includes a selected collection of 28 orthopaedic tumors.  Each topic is divided into general information, incidence and demographics, xrays, MRI, CT, pathology, differential diagnosis, and treatment.  The amount of information presented for each topic is variable, but generally a specific and informative overview of the topic is included.  The images are especially useful for demonstrating “typical” appearances on imaging exams and pathologic specimens.   The app also includes an “updated” feature, suggesting that the database may undergo regular updates in the future.  Overall, this series of orthopaedic tumor information is a useful reference for orthopaedic trainees, nurses, and other medical providers who diagnose and treat musculoskeletal tumors.

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Tumorpedia Foot and Ankle

This app is the “Foot and Ankle” version in the Tumorpedia series, a collection of apps that serve as an encyclopedia of orthopaedic oncology based on www.bonetumor.org.  This version includes 23 orthopaedic foot and ankle tumors.  Each topic is divided into general information, incidence and demographics, xrays, MRI, CT, pathology, differential diagnosis, and treatment.  The amount of information presented for each topic is variable, but generally a specific and informative overview of the topic is included.  The images are especially useful for demonstrating “typical” appearances on imaging exams and pathologic specimens.   The app also includes an “updated” feature, suggesting that the database may undergo regular updates in the future.  It appears that images are downloaded in real-time from a server, thus the app is of limited use when no WiFi or wireless data signal is available. As a result, some of the images did not load during my testing.  Overall, this series of orthopaedic tumor information is an inexpensive and useful reference for orthopaedic trainees, nurses, and other medical providers who diagnose and treat musculoskeletal tumors.  Because this is a first version, hopefully future versions will be available with improved functionality.

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Tumorpedia Bone

This app is the “Bone” version in the Tumorpedia series, a collection of apps that serve as an encyclopedia of orthopaedic oncology based on www.bonetumor.org.  This version includes over 70 orthopaedic bone tumors.  Each topic is divided into general information, incidence and demographics, xrays, MRI, CT, pathology, differential diagnosis, and treatment.  The amount of information presented for each topic is variable, but generally a specific and informative overview of the topic is included.  The images are especially useful for demonstrating “typical” appearances on imaging exams and pathologic specimens.   The app also includes an “updated” feature, suggesting that the database may undergo regular updates in the future.  It appears that images are downloaded in real-time from a server, thus the app is of limited use when no WiFi or wireless data signal is available. As a result, some of the images did not load during my testing.  Overall, this series of orthopaedic tumor information is an inexpensive and useful reference for orthopaedic trainees, nurses, and other medical providers who diagnose and treat musculoskeletal tumors.  Because this is a first version, hopefully future versions will be available with improved functionality.

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iPrevent Running Injuries

Created by two orthopaedic surgeons, this app is a video focused on patient education regarding stretching, strengthening, and agility exercises to prevent running injuries.  The app design is simple, and includes a single video about 20 minutes long, as well as contact information for the website www.sportsipa.com (sports injury prevention academy).  The video itself is well-narrated and well-produced and demonstrates many useful stretching and strengthening activities.  In addition, narration by the two orthopaedic surgeon developers explain the purpose and motivation for developing this course.  Overall, this app can be very useful to any patient/athlete interested in preventing running injuries.  Unlike other apps, the developers are board-certified orthopaedic surgeons, thereby lending credibility to the recommendations.

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iPrevent ACL Injuries

Created by two orthopaedic surgeons, this app is a video focused on patient education regarding stretching, strengthening, and agility exercises to prevent ACL injuries.  The app design is simple, and includes a single video about 18 minutes long, as well as contact information for the website www.sportsipa.com (sports injury prevention academy).  The video itself is well-narrated and well-produced and demonstrates many useful stretching and strengthening activities.  In addition, narration by the two orthopaedic surgeon developers explain the purpose and motivation for developing this course.  Overall, this app can be very useful to any patient/athlete interested in preventing ACL injuries.  Unlike other apps, the developers are board-certified orthopaedic surgeons, thereby lending credibility to the recommendations.

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Hospital for Special Surgery: Top Ranked Hospital

A personal practice app for the Hospital for Special Surgery, this app provides comprehensive patient information about orthopaedics and the hospital system.  Unlike other orthopaedic practice apps, the developers have included patient information for 40 common orthopaedic conditions with links to more information online.  Under the Treatment heading, all hospital staff is listed, either by name or specialty, with a brief CV and practice contact information. The Rehabilitation tab includes affiliated rehab centers, and the Wellness tab lists affiliated Yoga, Pilates, and T’ai Chi classes.  The app includes a hospital map, contact information, and links to social media and podcasts.  This app is most useful to current or prospective patients, or those in the greater New York area.  Overall, a complete and well-designed patient-information app.

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Dr. DeGroot On Line

A personal practice app for Dr. DeGroot, this provides patient information about the practice, credentials, e-mail information, location, and phone number.  No general medical information is provided.  Probably only useful for current or prospective patients in the greater Boston area.

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Andrews Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center

A personal practice app for the Andrews Center, this provides patient information about the practice, appointment information, contact information, location, and links to the website.  Expanded patient information about the practice is provided through a web portal.  This app is probably only useful for current or prospective patients, or those in the greater Birmingham area.

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Shoulder Pain

Shoulder Pain is an app “course” created by Dr. Eric Gozna to teach his mnemonic for the six most common causes of shoulder pain: FACTSS.  The app is actually a narrated slideshow format that auto-advances through 71 slides of informational slides that include descriptions of each pathology, as well as information about the pathology, the presentation, the diagnosis and treatment.  Some slides include video examples of a clinical exam, and some slides include review questions to reinforce concepts and lessons.  The concept of the app is novel.  Dr. Gozna’s credentials are listed on the site (an orthopaedic surgeon in Canada), however the information presented may be more credible if endorsed by an orthopaedic society.  Overall, the presentation is clear and may be most useful to students, non-orthopaedic providers, or patients interested in learning more about shoulder pain in a community-based practice.

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Medscape

Medscape is a familiar name among physicians, and their well-designed app extends the functionality of their website into a mobile format.  Using the same login (free), users are provided with headlines based on their selected specialty.  For example, when logged in as “orthopaedics” the headlines include information about metal-on-metal hips, PPI and hip fracture risk, and an article on orthopaedic surgery rates – all headlines link to a full article and include audio or video, if available. The app is then divided into three sections.  The News icon expands upon the headline articles and are specific to your specialty. The Reference icon includes information about drugs, diseases & conditions, procedures, and more. The third icon is Education, includes CME approved articles which can be used to earn CME credit.  The Reference section can be especially useful; articles are incredibly detailed about a broad spectrum of orthopaedic conditions and are written by professionals in the field with references provided.  In addition, the Musculoskeletal Procedures section has an impressive collection of common orthopaedic techniques, such as splinting and joint/tendon injections.  The content of the Medscape app is an expansive collection of free information that would be useful to any provider.  The only challenge is how to find what you’re looking for.  Thankfully, the app has a great search functionality which is both accurate and incredibly fast.  Overall, the app is highly recommended for any provider, and by registering as an orthopaedic surgeon online, the news headlines become even more relevant.

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Dragon Medical Search

Nuance has expanded their collection of voice dictation apps with a free app designed specifically for searching medical sites with speech.  The format is similar to the Dragon Search app, however after speaking a search phrase, the app simultaneously presents search results from Google, Medscape, Medline, drugs.mobi, and IMO.  Most providers are familiar with these sites, and when searching a phrase such as “femur fracture” the search engines returned relevant sites, articles, and information.  When searching a drug name, information from drugs.mobi was very useful with regards to dosing, side effects, and interactions.  The IMO search tab was incredibly useful for searching ICD9 codes and returned a complete list of relevant diagnostic codes for any pathology named.  Once again, Nuance has created a free app that can be of great value.  The app is limited by the fact that an internet is always required, however the utility of searching ICD9 codes from your phone is well worth the price (free).

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CARE for Patients

This app and service sets the standard for the future of mobile medicine.  Created by physical therapists, the app is an extension of the CARE subscription service available to surgeons which provides a personalized website and personalized physical therapy/rehabilitation protocols for patients.   The app is incredibly comprehensive by providing information to patients about their surgery, their surgeon, and lists the exercises they should be performing week-by-week after surgery with complete video demonstrations.

The power of this application, however, is a surgeon’s ability to create a fully customizable practice website and personalized app.  Thus, when a patient is enrolled he/she will only see information and post-operative protocols that have been specifically selected by their surgeon.  In essence, the app allows any orthopaedic surgeons to have their own personal app for patients.

The app itself consists of the sections described above.  Pre- and post-operative information is available to patients, and the post-operative physical therapy protocol is clearly organized for patients to reference either at home or at the gym.  Overall, the application has been well implemented and the service is currently being used by various academic and private practices nationwide.

***Special Offer: for surgeons/practices interested in learning more about CARE for Patients™, mention “TopOrthoApps” and receive a 10% discount on any enrollment!***

*Requires enrollment/subscription.  Receive 10% discount by mentioning TopOrthoApps.com!  Find out more here.

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iSpinePainManagement

This app is part of a group of spine-related education tools designed to help clinicians presents information about the spine to patients.  The app is organized in a list format divided into analgesia, diagnostic, and discectomy of the cervical (3 sections) and lumbar (3 sections) spine.  Within each sub-section users will then find an expended collection of treatment modalities (i.e. facet joint injection, spinal cord simulation trial, etc.).  Then, once selecting the desired topic, app users can read a brief description of the problem or part, watch a relevant educational video, view demonstrative key images, review relevant medical imaging, and read notes on the subject.  An impressive feature is that the notes are compatible with AirPrint if available on your iPhone, which allows for direct printing to a compatible wireless printer.

Overall, the information provided is basic and appropriate for educating patients about their diseases.  The images are very clear and well-designed computer graphics and maintain a consistent style throughout the app.  The images also include appropriate labels and markers for demonstration purposes and are accompanied by additional information about the patient and pathology.  This app can be useful to providers who choose to educate their patients about cervical and lumbar disease using their iPhone or iPad.  The videos appear to be native to the device, explaining the app’s 1.0 GB download size.

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iSpineOperations

This app is part of a group of spine-related education tools designed to help clinicians presents information about the spine to patients.  The app is organized in a list format divided into the anterior approaches, decompression, discectomy, and fusion of the cervical (4 sections) and lumbar (4 sections) spine in addition to an additional section titled bone graft harvesting.  Once selecting the desired topic, app users can read a brief description of the operation and watch a relevant educational video focusing on the procedure goals or technique, view demonstrative key images, review relevant medical imaging, and read notes on the subject.  An impressive feature is that the notes are compatible with AirPrint if available on your iPhone, which allows for direct printing to a compatible wireless printer.

Overall, the information provided is basic and appropriate for educating patients about their diseases.  The images are very clear and well-designed computer graphics and maintain a consistent style throughout the app.  The images also include appropriate labels and markers for demonstration purposes and are accompanied by additional information about the patient and pathology.  This app can be useful to providers who choose to educate their patients about cervical and lumbar disease using their iPhone or iPad.  The videos appear to be native to the device, explaining the app’s 1.4 GB download size.

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iSpineCare

This app is part of a group of spine-related education tools designed to help clinicians presents information about the spine to patients.  The app is organized in a list format divided into the anatomy, movements, muscles, and pathology of the cervical (4 sections) and lumbar (4 sections) spine.  Within each sub-section users will then find an expended collection of body parts or pathologies (i.e. fact joints, discs, congenital stenosis, disc protrusion, etc.).  Then, once selecting the desired topic, app users can read a brief description of the problem or part, watch a relevant educational video, view demonstrative key images, review relevant medical imaging, and read notes on the subject.  An impressive feature is that the notes are compatible with AirPrint if available on your iPhone, which allows for direct printing to a compatible wireless printer.

Overall, the information provided is basic and appropriate for educating patients about their diseases.  The images are very clear and well-designed computer graphics and maintain a consistent style throughout the app.  The images also include appropriate labels and markers for demonstration purposes and are accompanied by additional information about the patient and pathology.  This app can be useful to providers who choose to educate their patients about cervical and lumbar disease using their iPhone or iPad.  The videos appear to be native to the device, explaining the app’s 1.3 GB download size.

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AgingSpine

AgingSpine is part of the Orca Health collection of apps that provides information for patients about various orthopaedic conditions.  Like the entire “decide” series, the user interface, graphics, and interactive anatomy modules are superb and allow the user to learn about degenerative spine anatomy while rotating, flexing, and zooming in on the images.  The conditions covered in this app include osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease, kyphosis, degenerative scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, lumbar stenosis, and cervical stenosis.  Consistent with the entire line of apps, each disease includes a plethora of xray, MRI, and CT imaging with appropriate annotations demonstrating normal and pathologic conditions.  Audio recordings are also included to narrate the text as well. Like the other apps in this series, users can search for medical providers that treat these conditions.  Overall, AgingSpine is a very impressive addition to the Orca Health “decide” series and has the potential to greatly improve patient education and comprehension about orthopaedic conditions.

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ShoulderDecide

ShoulderDecide is part of the Orca Health collection of apps that provides information for patients about various orthopaedic conditions.  Like the entire “decide” series, the user interface, graphics, and interactive anatomy modules are superb and allow the user to learn about shoulder anatomy while rotating, flexing, and zooming in on the images.  The conditions covered in this app include rotator cuff tear, bursitis, impingement, calcific tendinitis, glenohumeral arthritis, acromioclavicular arthritis, instability, proximal humeral fractures, clavicle fractures, AC separation, frozen shoulder, and biceps tendon tears & tendinitis.  Consistent with the entire line of apps, each disease includes a plethora of xray, MRI, and CT imaging with appropriate annotations demonstrating normal and pathologic conditions.  Audio recordings are also included to narrate the text as well. Like the other apps in this series, users can search for medical providers that treat these conditions.  Overall, ShoulderDecide is a very impressive addition to the Orca Health “decide” series and has the potential to greatly improve patient education and comprehension about orthopaedic conditions.

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KneeDecide

KneeDecide is part of the Orca Health collection of apps that provides information for patients about various orthopaedic conditions.  Like the entire “decide” series, the user interface, graphics, and interactive anatomy modules are superb and allow the user to learn about knee bone, tendon, meniscus, and ligament anatomy while rotating, flexing, and zooming in on the images.  The conditions covered in this app include meniscal tear, ACL tear, MCL injuries, PCL tear, patellofemoral chondrosis, tibiofemoral chondrosis, chondral lesions, advanced arthritis, lateral patellar compression syndrome, patellar dislocation, patellar tendonitis, Osgood-Schlatter disease, iliotibial band syndrome, mechanical disorders, and fractures.  Consistent with the entire line of apps, each disease includes a plethora of xray, MRI, and CT imaging with appropriate annotations demonstrating normal and pathologic conditions.  Audio recordings are also included to narrate the text as well. Like the other apps in this series, users can search for medical providers that treat these conditions.  Overall, KneeDecide is a very impressive addition to the Orca Health “decide” series and has the potential to greatly improve patient education and comprehension about orthopaedic conditions.

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Bones, Joints & Muscles

Bones, Joints & Muscles is a patient-education resource designed for patients to learn about diseases as they relate to the musculoskeletal system.  The app has a simple design that consists of a list of pathologies in alphabetical order.  Each topic includes 1-5 brief paragraphs that include general information about each disease.  The app does not include images or video, and does not include contact information for providers that can take care of the diseases, a feature available in other similar applications.  The user does have the option to email the information.  Overall, the app can provide very basic and general information to patients, but other apps provide similar information with the assistance of images, video, and greater depth.

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ShoulderDoc

ShoulderDoc is an app created by Dr. Len Funk, who manages shoulderdoc.co.uk.  The app reflects the website and includes an impressive amount of information designed to educate patients about shoulder conditions, pathology, and surgery using a combination of images, text, animations, and video.  Like its website counterpart, the user can browse topics, learn about undergoing surgery, watch videos, and can even answer a few questions to obtain their diagnosis.  Each section includes text descriptions that align with visually appealing images.  Overall, the app can serve as a useful educational tool for patients who have shoulder pathology and would like to learn more about their disease.

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HandDecide

HandDecide is part of the Orca Health collection of apps that provides information for patients about various orthopaedic conditions.  Like the entire “decide” series, the user interface, graphics, and interactive anatomy modules are superb and allow the user to learn about hand anatomy in different regions of the hand and wrist while rotating, flexing, and zooming in on the images.  The conditions covered in this app include carpal tunnel syndrome, wrist injury, TFCC, thumb base arthritis, de Quervain’s tendonitis, skier’s thumb, ganglion cyst, mallet finger, dupuytren’s contracture, trigger finger, and flexor tendon injury.  Consistent with the entire line of apps, each disease includes a plethora of xray, MRI, and CT imaging with appropriate annotations demonstrating normal and pathologic conditions.  Video and audio recordings are also included to narrate the text and demonstrate surgical procedures. Like the other apps in this series, users can search for medical providers that treat these conditions and this particular app expands the selection to include a physical therapist, plastic surgeon, and manicurist.  Overall, HandDecide is a very impressive addition to the Orca Health “decide” series and has the potential to greatly improve patient education and comprehension about orthopaedic hand conditions.  At only $1.99 this application is a great value for the amount of information included.

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FootDecide

FootDecide is part of the Orca Health collection of apps that provides information for patients about various orthopaedic conditions.  Like the entire “decide” series, the user interface, graphics, and interactive anatomy modules are superb and allow the user to learn about foot anatomy in different regions of the foot and ankle while rotating, flexing, and zooming in on the images.  The conditions covered in this app include Achilles tendonitis/Haglund’s deformity, ankle and subtalar arthritis, peroneal tendonitis/tear, bunionette (taylor’s bunion), Morton’s neuroma, hammer toe, interdigital callus, metatarsalgia, tarsometatarsal arthritis, stress fracture/reaction, ankle sprain, second MTP instability, bunion (hallux valgus), plantar fasciitis, and posterior tibial tendinosis.  Consistent with the entire line of apps, each disease includes a plethora of xray, MRI, and CT imaging with appropriate annotations demonstrating normal and pathologic conditions.  Audio recordings are also included to narrate the text as well. Like the other apps in this series, users can search for medical providers that treat these conditions and this particular app expands the selection to include an orthotist, cobbler, and pedicurist.  Overall, FootDecide is a very impressive addition to the Orca Health “decide” series and has the potential to greatly improve patient education and comprehension about orthopaedic foot conditions.

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SpineDecide

SpineDecide is part of the Orca Health collection of apps that provides information for patients about various orthopaedic conditions.  Like the entire “decide” series, the user interface, graphics, and interactive anatomy modules are superb and allow the user to learn about spine anatomy while rotating, flexing, and zooming in on the images.  The conditions covered in this app include cervical bulge, cervical herniation, cervical stenosis, spondylolisthesis, lumbar bulge, lumber herniation, lumbar stenosis, degenerative disc disease, kyphosis, and scoliosis.  Consistent with the entire line of apps, each disease includes a plethora of xray, MRI, and CT imaging with appropriate annotations demonstrating normal and pathologic conditions.  Audio recordings are also included to narrate the text as well. Like the other apps in this series, users can search for medical providers that treat these conditions.  Overall, SpineDecide is a very impressive addition to the Orca Health “decide” series and has the potential to greatly improve patient education and comprehension about orthopaedic conditions.

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Stryker IVS

Overall: 4
Functionality: 4
Coolness: 4

Similar to other product- and device-driven applications, Stryker IVS provides information for about Stryker’s line of spine surgery products.  The app is divided into 4 sections: procedures, products, physicians, and sharing.  One unique aspect to this app is that it appears to be aimed for both surgeons and patients.  For example, under the procedures and products sections, there are brief descriptions of the disease or procedure (disc decompression, for example) followed by resources such as videos, images, and documents geared towards both patient education (simplified animated media) as well as surgeon education (product guides and specifications).  Of course, Stryker products are presented adjacent to the pathologies they are intended to treat.  The photos and videos are informative and can help patients understand their disease.  The third section, physicians, returns the contact information of physicians and medical centers within Stryker’s database of spine providers (or so it seems).  I am not entirely certain how this list is generated, but the medical offices that the app presents are all spine or pain centers.  The final section, sharing, is where the user can select documents (product guides) in the products section of the app and then send those apps via email.  Overall, the app is well-made and presents a plethora or medical information, device information, and patient education material in a relatively small and easy-to-navigate interface.  I recommend it for any provider using these devices or for patients interested in learning more about Stryker’s products.

Cost: Free
Download Stryker IVS Here

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Sigma Knee Replacement

Overall: 5
Functionality: 4
Coolness: 5+

With this app, DePuy has set the new standard in device-sponsored surgeon and patient education apps.  The app quickly earns high marks for a smooth and interactive user interface that utilizes rotating platforms to showcase their five headings: early intervention, primary TKA, revision TKA, high performance instrumentation, and professional education.  Each section is filled with information about different products, and each product is supplemented with information about design features, technique overview and guides, specific and unique advantages of the product, surgical technique guides with videos, and more.   There are some especially cool features, such as the “explore” function in the patellofemoral solutions which uses an animated knee that allows the user to flex/extend the knee at will.  This app is currently the “coolest” app available and for a surgeon who uses DePuy joint replacement products, can be especially useful as well. One limitation is that the app is nearly 700 mb in size, which can take a healthy bite out of your iPad storage.  However, after 20 seconds of playing with this app it becomes obvious why so much memory is required.

Cost:Free
Download Sigma Knee Replacement Here

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FlipChart

Overall: 3+
Functionality: 3
Coolness: 4

This app is created by Stryker as a patient education tool for surgeons using Stryker total hip, total shoulder, and total knee replacement systems.  The app is organized into charts, my charts, and “create a chart.”  The create a chart feature allows the user to add “pins” to the educational image-based slide show to add commentary within the chart.  A pen is also available to mark the background or highlight particular areas of the image.  Once complete, the chart appears in the “my charts” tab for later reference.  Thus, a surgeon could spend some time creating a personalized chart for his/her surgeries and then use that chart to education patients in clinic about what the procedure will entail.  Overall, the user interface is very simple and easy to navigate and the app is well-made.  As a patient education tool, this may be useful for surgeons who have time to explain the details of surgery to patients accompanied by images.

Cost:Free
Download FlipChart Here

inMotion

Overall: 4+
Functionality: 4
Coolness: 5

This app is created by Stryker and is an impressive patient education tool with regard to the two advertised devices: a total knee and a total hip arthroplasty.  What makes this app unique, however, is the integration of computer animation, video, and audio that includes a highly realistic anatomical model with the options to select anatomic structures and make them transparent or hide them during the demonstration.  This is truly the future of medicine.  For example, you might show a patient hip motion after a total hip arthroplasty procedure, and during the video the user can “hide” any overlying muscles or bones to reveal the implant, or you can add them back one-by-one to demonstrate the relative anatomy.  Overall, this app should be downloaded for the coolness factor alone.  It would make a great resource for a waiting room, but of course this is probably most useful to surgeons using Stryker’s products.

Cost:Free
Download inMotion Here

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DePuy Lateral Interbody Fusion

Overall: 1 or 3+*
Functionality: 1 or 3+*
Coolness: 4

This app provides information, resources, and education for surgeons who use or are interested in learning more about DePuy’s minimally invasive spine products.  The application includes information about the surgical technique, with both guides and videos, as well as additional resources for the variety of products that the app promotes.  The images are very clear and well-presented, and the app includes PDF versions of the full product guides.  As expected, the app includes contact information to find out more about their products.

Cost: Free
Download Here

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DASH Learn

Overall: 1 or 4*
Functionality: 1 or 4*
Coolness: 5

Smith & Nephew DASH is a portable surgical navigation system designed to assist surgeons with hip and knee surgery, and the DASH Learn app is a free utility with information about the product, tutorials, troubleshooting tips, and contact information for the company.  The app itself includes a variety of instructional videos and techniques to assist a surgeon who already uses DASH and appear to be quite useful.  However, for someone who is not familiar with the product or not interested in the product, the app would not be useful.  If a surgeon interested in learning more about this system, there is a 2 minute tutorial video from the main start page, however I suspect a similar video could be found elsewhere online or at the product website without having to download the app.  *The asterisk denotes that the functionality is either a 1 (if you do not use the product) or a 4 (if you do use the product).

 Cost: Free
Download Here

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OrthoFind

Overall: 3
Functionality: 3
Coolness: 3

This app is essentially a very clear and well-designed product guide for Breg, Inc.; maker of orthopedic braces.  The interface is visual and can be helpful to both physicians and patients looking to explore their catalog and purchase their products.  The user is first prompted to select a body region and is then presented with images and descriptions of their available products with additional information and high-resolutions available to read and view.  Each page provides the opportunity for “more information” which connects you with a Breg representative, provides a brochure, or directs you to a product page.  The app has additional resources including links to various orthopaedic websites and an FAQ section with questions, answers, and explanations about common orthopaedic conditions.  For a surgeon or a patient who is looking to have more information at their fingertips about Breg products, this app is very well made and can be quite useful.

 Cost: Free
Download Here

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Understanding Disease: Orthopedics

Overall: 2+
Functionality: 3
Coolness: 2

This app is part of a series of apps titled “Understanding Disease: XXXX.”  The “Orthopedics” version is free to download, however in-app purchases are required to view information about the subjects that are included: osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, postmenopausal osteoporosis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.  The app is clearly marketed to patients and is likely of little use to students, trainees, or surgeons with the exception of providing material for patients to review while in a waiting room.  The limited number of subjects available for review limits the app significantly; however, an expansion could make this a potentially useful and informative app for patient education.

Cost: Free for the app; in-app purchases of $9.99 for each subject or $39.99 for all 5.
Download Here

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Orthopaedic Surgeon

Overall: 1
Functionality: 1
Coolness: 2

This app is based on www.orthopedicsurgeon.com, a website that indexes practicing orthopaedic surgeons and allows patients to search for providers in their area. As a surgeon, the app requires you to register before allowing access.  Unfortunately, when this app was tested in September 2011, the app asked me to register but did not include my state (California) on the registration form.  Then, when I elected to log in as a patient, the app said that data was unavailable.  The interface is visually appealing, and the is certainly promising, however the app will require additional functionality improvements before becoming useful.

 Cost: Free
Download Here

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Google Translate

Overall: 5
Functionality: 4
Coolness: 5+

Leave it to Google to creat one of the most creative, useful, and free apps available.  This app does everything you would expect from a translator: 1) It allows the user to speak into the phone and it performs voice-recognition and converts the speech to text, 2) It then translates the text into one of over 40 languages and displays the translation on the screen in the native alphabet, and 3) For many of the languages it can then speak the translated phrase back to the patient!  If this is not impressive technology, I don’t know what is.  In addition to the ingenious functionality, the app runs very fast, the dictation function is accurate, and I have yet to encounter a language that I need but do not have available.  For anyone who works in a hospital with an international patient population but where translators are not always readily available, this app is certainly one of the coolest and most useful I have ever encountered.

Cost: Free
Download Here

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Dragon Dictation

Overall: 4
Functionality: 3+
Coolness: 5

These days most surgeons are aware of commercially available voice dictation, such as Dragon and other brands, however few know that Dragon Dictation makes a free app for the iPhone.   That’s right: completely free.  Not only that, but even without voice training (as is required for the full computer-based version), this app has impressive recognition capability the first time you use it.  The app is limited by the fact that you can only dictate within the Dragon app, thus you cannot dictation directly into an email, text message, or note.  Of course, this is a limitation created by Apple which prevents one app from running “within” another app.  In addition, Dragon limits each dictation to 30 seconds.  However, because you can perform multiple dictations within a single document, and because the app allows you to easily copy, email, or text message your text – these limitations are easily overcome.   A great feature is that words that Dragon knows it may have mis-interpreted can be selected and the user is presented with similar alternatives.  From my experience, Dragon is accurate about 90% of the time, and if you include the alternative options, accuracy increases to >95%.  For someone who writes emails from their phone, this app has the potential to save you much time, frustration, and iPhone-related spelling errors.  I cannot think of a reason not to download the app.

Cost: Free
Download Here

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