Patient Engagement Technologies in Orthopaedics: What They Are, What They Offer, and Impact.

The modern era is an increasingly digital and connected world. Most of the Americans now use a smartphone irrespective of age or income level. As smartphone technologies become ubiquitous, there is tremendous interest and growth in mobile health applications. One segment of these new technologies are the so-called patient engagement platforms. These technologies present a host of features that may improve care. This article provides an introduction to this growing technology sector, offers insight into what they may offer patients and surgeons, and discusses how to evaluate various platforms.