This article explores the burgeoning role of telemedicine in orthopaedic care, highlighting its benefits, potential applications, and future directions.

Benefits of telemedicine in orthopaedics

1. Improved access to care: Telemedicine bridges geographical barriers, particularly for patients residing in remote areas with limited access to orthopaedic specialists. Virtual consultations eliminate the need for long-distance travel, saving time and resources. [1]
2. Enhanced convenience: Telemedicine offers patients the flexibility to schedule appointments at their convenience, reducing disruption to their daily routines. This is especially beneficial for individuals with busy schedules or mobility limitations. [1]
3. Increased efficiency: Telemedicine streamlines workflows for both patients and healthcare providers. Virtual consultations allow quicker triage of non-urgent cases, freeing up in-person appointments for patients requiring physical examinations. [2]
4. Improved patient satisfaction: Studies suggest that patients generally report high satisfaction with telemedicine consultations, appreciating the convenience and efficiency they offer. [3]

Applications of telemedicine in orthopaedics

1. Initial consultations: Telemedicine is well-suited for initial consultations, allowing patients to discuss symptoms, medical history, and concerns with an orthopaedic specialist remotely. [2]
2. Post-operative care: Telemedicine can be effectively utilised for post-operative follow-up appointments, enabling monitoring of surgical wounds, addressing minor issues, and providing ongoing support. [4]
3. Chronic disease management: Telemedicine offers a valuable tool for managing chronic orthopaedic conditions such as arthritis. Virtual consultations allow for medication adjustments, symptom monitoring, and patient education. [5]
4. Orthopaedic rehabilitation: Telemedicine can facilitate communication between patients and physical therapists, enabling remote guidance and monitoring of rehabilitation exercises. [6]

Future directions of telemedicine in orthopaedics

The future of telemedicine in orthopaedics is bright, with continuous advancements in technology paving the way for even greater integration. Here are some promising areas of exploration:

1. Integration of wearable technology: Wearable devices can be used to remotely monitor patient vitals, joint motion, and rehabilitation progress, providing valuable data for orthopaedic specialists. [7]
2. Virtual Reality (VR) applications: VR technology holds the potential for enhanced patient education, allowing for interactive visualisation of orthopaedic conditions and treatment options. [8]
3. Telemanipulation and robotics: The future may see the development of telemanipulation and robotics for remote orthopaedic procedures, enabling minimally invasive surgeries from a distance. [9]

Disclaimer- The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of M3 India.

About the author of this article: Dr Rakshith Chakravarthy is an Orthopaedic surgeon from Bengaluru.