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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MedTools

A unified repository of surgical implants, technique guides, comparisons, and unpackaging videos.

With so many orthopedic implant companies and device options, I am amazed it has taken so long for someone to create a central educational repository.  MedTools is attempting to do just that in the form of both a website and app.  The app itself is well organized with a side-bar menu organized by body part, and sub-menus organized by implant type.  For a generic implant type (ex: Volar Distal Radius Plates, or Total Knee Arthroplasty), the user can quickly see a collection of all available companies and device offerings.  In some cases (total joint arthroplasty) this can include well over 20 different implants from more than 10 companies.  Users can then select a specific implant to obtain product information such as technique guides, reference charts, and photographs of the surgical tray to help familiarize one’s self with the instrumentation.  The app and website have also started video taping “unboxing” of specific devices to ensure that surgeons and their operative staff are prepared and familiar with devices they plan to use.

Overall, this app seems to have been a long-time coming and reflects a significant investment in work and time.  I anticipate the breadth of implants will grow significantly in the near future, which should greatly increase its value and overall utility to surgeons.

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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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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

Ortho10 Pro

Simple ICD-10 look-up for orthopaedic surgeons

Ortho10 is the first and only ICD-10 code look-up app specifically for orthopaedic surgeons.  The app has a very simple and intuitive interface which makes finding the proper code, and saving common codes, very easy to do.  Any user can easily find the proper code within less than 6 taps, regardless of any pre-existing knowledge of ICD-10. The app first opens to a list of body parts each on separate tiles.  Once a body part is selected, you have specific options relevant to that region, such as osteoarthritis, fracture, joint pain, sprain, etc.  As the user continues to drill down in choices they are prompted to select a more specific diagnosis, laterality of the injury or pathology, and the type of encounter (initial or subsequent, as required by ICD-10).  The user is then clearly presented with the diagnostic code and a description of the code.  At every level, there is the opportunity to move back up the selection tree and change a response.  And, once a code is selected, it can be saved in favorites for quick reference at a later time.  Overall, the app is easy to use and will be very important and useful as the mandatory transition to ICD-10 takes effect.  The app has already undergone revisions and improvements since its initial release, and we anticipate additional improvements and expansions.  There is currently a free version with all codes but limited additional features, as well as a paid version with enhancements such as “favorites” and “recently used” codes.

Free version:

Pro Version:

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MedTunnel

HIPAA-Compliant secure healthcare communication

This app is meant to remove fax and paper from cluttering your life. MedTunnel is trying to revolutionize the way the healthcare providers share and send information. This company has provided a service that protects patient privacy, but improves communication and makes your phone easy to use. Many apps already offer HIPAA compliant text or email tools via your phone. However, MedTunnel has given users the tools to make sharing information between physicians and patients more robust by giving users the ability to email or send documents. MedTunnel is one of the only HIPAA compliant messaging services that allow a user to take a photo with their phone and turn it into a pdf file and allow pdfs to be viewed and annotated, all on a phone. These two features make the app one of the best HIPAA compliant communication tools on the market. In addition the app is only a small portion of the larger desktop platform that has been created by MedTunnel. The desktop version allows users to have more control of their content and allow all files on any desktop running MedTunnel to securely be saved to the cloud. One concern about the app is you need the desktop version to set up some of the features and without setting these features the app is not the easiest to use.  For the app to be useful to you and your practice you would need the staff and other providers in your practice to adopt the app for the best use of these features. Overall an excellent HIPAA compliant communication app for healthcare professionals.

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Corin Resource Hub

Information about Corin orthopaedic implants for surgeons

This device company app is a resource and educational tool for surgeons who want to use or learn more about Corin products. The app is divided into solutions for the hip, knee, and “technology.”  As expected, the app includes general information about the products and marketing information.

*Requires subscription for full text access

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Biomet Orthosize

Image templating viewer for Biomet implants

This app is designed for pre-operative templating of Biomet implants and works in conjunction with their web platform at www.Orthosize.com. The purpose is not to template on the mobile device, but rather to review or modify images created with the desktop software.  To use the app, contact your Biomet representative.

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Arthrex Synergy

Image and Video app that works in conjunction with Arthrex’s arthroscopy tower

This app works with Arthrex’s arthroscopy tower and allows for each transfer of images and videos to an iPad for editing, patient education, and sharing.  Use of the app and login information can be obtained from your device representative.

The app is organized into a list of patients with their corresponding images. Once a patient is selected, the images can be viewed individually, with a few editing features for enhancement. For example, this includes saturation adjustment, contrast adjustment, and the ability to annotate with text, lines, and circles/arrows. The benefit of annotation is that images can then be selected for sharing with the patient, via email.  In addition to the images, links can be provided for documentation on related implants, or documents uploaded by the surgeon.  The surgeon can also record a video message or narration of the diagnosis and treatment.

Arthrex has gone to appropriate lengths to ensure that all transmissions are HIPAA compliant, and sharing the images generates 2 emails, the second with a secure password that allows the patient to unlock the attachment in the first email.

Overall, this is a very high quality app that complements their associated medical devices.

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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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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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PhotoGoniometer

Photo app for goniometer measurements

Photogoniometer is another goniometer app that uses photos to help practitioners measure limb angle. The app uses an innovative method of measuring angles where you first take a photo with the limb extended and then take a second photo with the limb flexed. The images are then superimposed and the limb angle is calculated. While this is a creative way to measure range of motion this app is much more difficult to use than having to actually take a goniometer out of your pocket to measure range of motion angles. Taking photos and then still having to measure the range of motion takes more steps than quickly measuring it in your office. I like how the app developers attempted to be creative with goniometer measurements, but it is not very easy to use. There is a light version that is free for users with advertising, but the paid version is only $0.99 and allows you to save photos. Maybe something researchers would use to save information? A creative goniometer app that is not very useful.

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Sookasa

Cloud based file storage that is secure and encrypted

Sookasa is a great HIPPA compliant solution to file sharing through the cloud. The seamless integration with Dropbox (the most popular free data cloud service) makes Sookasa very user-friendly and easy to use. Sookasa is valuable to medical professionals because it finally offers an easy to use cloud platform that is not exposed to security and compliance risks. You can encrypts files, create an audit trail, track files and allow administrators to easily delete and retrieve files.  The app allows users to securely view encrypted documents on your iPhone or iPad device. This service is a must have for all medical professionals who use dropbox/googledrive/box or any other cloud device where patient information is stored. If you are not using cloud based file storage in your practice due to concerns for security there is now finally a solution. Sookasa is a revolutionary new product that can change the way you manage your practice.

*The Fees are subscription based and can be pricey based on usage, but likely a worthwhile investment*

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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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AO Davos Courses 2012

A basic information about the AO Davos Courses in 2012

This simple and lightweight app includes basic information about the AO courses in Davos for 2012.  It includes an overview of the courses, information about clinical divisions, and general information about the AO.

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Goniometer Pro (G-Pro)

Goniometer mobile application

This Goniometer app was developed by 5fuf5 and is one of many goniometer apps in the marketplace.  Goniometer PRO uses a simple visual tool to help providers mimic a standard clinical goniometer if one is not available.  While I initially struggled using the app, a very well done you-tube video clearly taught me how easiy it is to use. The app allows users to save angle measurements in a memory bank.   Users are able to use the app in the free preview mode, but after 12 uses you are forced to buy the unlimited version which is $14.99. While the app is an excellent tool and visually stimulating at this high of a sticker price there are other apps out there which work the same.

Overall a useful goniometer app with a high pricetag

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ACUMED Version 2.0

An app that provides information for Acumed’s different fixation systems

This app is a neat resource to learn about Acumed’s different fixation solution for different body parts. The app has a beautifully done feature that allows you to visualize devices in 3D space. While the app is probably more useful for the ACUMED reps than a typical orthopaedic surgeon it is still an interesting app with lots of device information. *WARNING* to download all the features on the app is approx. 400MB of memory. So while this awesome app has some really neat 3D tools to see devices for different types of fixation. Beware it can be memory drain.

Overall a visually impressive app not for everyday use

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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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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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Biolox

CeramTec’s product information app about their line of ceramic hip arthroplasty products with useful animated videos.

For surgeons who already use CeramTec products, or who are interested in learning more about ceramic technology, this app includes a lot of useful information.  Four products are highlighted: the ball, insert, DUO, and OPTION.  Each section includes product information, as well as tips, handling recommendations, brochures, and news.   A number of high quality animations are included and fun to watch.   The app also includes news articles and brochures from the company, which might be useful to some surgeons, but difficult to read on an iPhone.

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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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Aesculap OrthoPilot USA

This product marketing app demonstrates and educates surgeons about Aesculap’s surgical navigation system.  The app is organized by category: HipSuite, KneeSuite, and SportsMedSuite.  Each section highlights the products available, and a further drill-down menu includes information about special cases, product documents, images, videos, and links.  The app navigation was slow at times, and videos often required extra time to load.  However, the step-by-step guides for using the navigation system could be quite helpful to a surgeon interested in using this device.  Overall, the app includes a few glitches, but is available for free on both iPad and iPhone.

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I.T.S. InfoPoint

This app demonstrates the products made by I.T.S., a medical device company in Austria that develops titanium implants. The app includes many of the features expected from a device company app, including general information, a catalog and description of implants, sub-sections for upper and lower extremities, and a product overview video.  In addition, there is a “fracture classifications” section that assists a surgeon by allowing the user to select a body part from a diagram, then select the fracture pattern – and the app will list the relevant implants.  Selecting on an implant includes typical information such as features, xrays, indications, and a surgical technique PDF.  Overall, many of the features are “empty” and do not include information, and thus the app currently lacks completeness.  Overall, however, this is a great app for surgeons using these devices.

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FlipChart for Spine

This app is created by Stryker as a patient education tool for surgeons treating degenerative disc disease and spondylolisthesis.  The app is organized into charts, my charts, and “create a chart.”  The established “charts” are like slideshows with text, images, and diagrams that teach patients about their disease. The “create a chart” feature allows the user to add text and comments to the educational image-based slide show to add commentary within the chart.  A pen is 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.

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Aesculap Spine MIS Thoracolumbar

This app is a product information app for Aesculap MIS devices.  The app is divided into three sections: Philosophy, Products, and Training Courses.  The Philosophy section is organized into a three-page PDF brochure with information about minimally invasive spine surgery. The products section promotes four of their products, and include a movie showcasing their products, the product brochure, the surgical technique guide, example radiographic images, links to their website, and instructions for use (although the information section states that the app is not intended to provide technical advice or instructions). The training courses section includes brochures about their training courses (“Aesculap Academy”), but links to their website for full information.   Overall, the app is designed to promote Aesculap products and otherwise has little value to orthopaedic practitioners or patients.

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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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IOS Fixator

IOS Fixator blends the iPhone/iPad’s touch screen with patient imaging to create a very impressive tool for pre-operative templating using the IOS fixation device.  The app consists of 2 sections.  First, the PDF user guides are available for the IOS fixation device and the STORM (Saffordshire orthopaedic reduction machine).  The second part of the app includes a templating program to use with the external fixator.  First, the user acquires an xray of the patient’s fracture (a sample is provided in the app).  Next, a sizing template is calibrated, and the user then outlines the fracture corners.  Once the fracture is contained, the fragment becomes “free” for the user to realign with the distal or proximal fracture fragment.  The final step provides template guides for the user to align with the newly reduced fracture image. Overall, the concept is impressive and well-execute.  Unfortunately, this app is only useful for providers who currently use the IOS fixator device.  An expansion to other types of external fixator or internal fixation devices would be impressive and very useful.  Nevertheless, the ability to manipulate a fracture from your iPhone or iPad is likely a taste of future emerging technologies.

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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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Synthes

Overall: 4+
Functionality: 4+
Coolness: 4

Like many other device company apps, the Synthes app can serve as a library and educational resource for surgeons and trainees with regards to Synthes products.  The app is not exclusively for orthopaedic surgeons, and also includes CMF and Vet products, in addition to their Trauma and Spine product lines.  The app comes in both iPad and iPhone versions, which each have navigation interfaces designed specifically for the size of each device. On the iPhone, navigation is simple and consistent with other Synthes product websites by allowing the user to view Key Technologies, Browse by Anatomy, Synthes Solutions, Clinical Resources, and General Resources.  As the user advances through the drill-down navigation screens, more information and more options are provided including images, AO classification systems for the relevant body part, and case studies demonstrating use of their products.  The app is clearly designed for providers, not patients, and hosts a wealth of information that ranges from general tips and techniques to useful images and guides for specific products.  Useful features include in-app links to the Synthes Resident program, Synthes Surgeon.com, and the ability to search the app for a particular product. One limitation of the app is that it requires updates on a weekly basis, which can be frustrating when trying to access information quickly.  Otherwise, the app is well-made, complete, and provides useful information to any surgeon who uses Synthes products.

Cost: Free
Download Synthes 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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OpTech Live

Overall: 4
Functionality: 4
Coolness: 2+

This app is part of Stryker’s library of applications and, like other device company apps, provides the user with a library of device and implant user guides.  The interface is well-organized by topic and lists PDF guides according to specialty or body part.  Selecting an item quickly downloads the PDF surgical technique guide which can then be saved in a library on the device (for referencing later) or a link to the document can be emailed.  Browsing for topics is very easy with essentially no delay.  For access to Stryker’s line of technique guides, this app does everything it should.

Cost: Free
Download OpTech Live 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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SugarSync

Overall: 4+
Functionality: 5
Coolness: 5

SugarSync is actually a cloud-based data back-up service that includes the use of their free apps.  But, because most surgeons are probably under-protected with regard to the security of their digital data, I strongly advocate the use of some type of auto-backup service, such as SugarSync or one of its competitors.  After paying for a subscription and installing the program onto as many computers as you would like, SugarSync will automatically back up your data in real-time both to the cloud, as well as between computers.  For example, in my home I sync my two laptops so that the data between my “home” computer and my “work” computer are always matched.  Then, I also sync specific folders (such as photos) between my computers and my wife’s computer.  Copying/transferring files with flash drives and emailing document versions have become obsolete.  Lastly, because I have the app installed on my phone and my iPad, I can access any file from anywhere, any time.  That includes photos, documents, or reading material and includes the ability to email the files directly to a colleague.  The price is competitive, and the functionality has redefined the way I manage my data.  For more information, see my FAQ section.

 Cost: Free app with subscription service.
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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Mobile Coder Orthopedics

Overall: 3+
Functionality: 4+
Coolness: 3

This is a useful coding app designed specifically for orthopaedic surgeons.  The taskbar is organized into four sections.  The “patients” tab allows the user to add patient records and includes information such as facility, date/time, patient info, assistant, and comments.  That record can then be associated with the second section: CPT.  CPT codes are organized by body region and separated by the usual CPT categories.  A search function is available, and the user can identify favorite codes to save time during future entires.  The codes themselves include options to include modifiers and the interface is easy to navigate.  The third tab is a patient history section, and the fourth tab is a configuration tab where the user can enter facilities and surgical assistants.  The program includes help alerts for every screen that are initially informative, but must be turned off in the configuration tab because they quickly become bothersome.  Overall, the app is one of many coding apps available and will appeal to many surgeons, however there does not appear to be support for ICD-9 codes if that is an important feature to you.

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