Rehabilitation after Total Hip & Total Knee Arthroplasty with Smartphone Applications: a Scoping Exercise using a Systematic Review of Current Applications and Patient Survey

Keywords:

Outcomes Research, Patient Outcome Assessment, Real World Evidence, Technology, Health Care Costs.


Published online: Aug 06 2026

https://doi.org/10.52628/92.2.15600

DRURY G.1, SIDHU A.2, AL-NASEEM A.O.3, RAYAN F.4, KONAN S.5

1University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 286 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, UK
2Kettering General Hospital, Rothwell Road, Kettering, NN16 8UZ, UK
3University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 286 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, UK
4Kettering General Hospital, Rothwell Road, Kettering, NN16 8UZ, UK
5University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 286 Euston Road, London, NW1 2BU, UK

Abstract

This study aims to assess the quality, user friendliness of current smartphone applications (“apps”) available for total hip (THR) and total knee (TKR) arthroplasty patients and identifies patient preferences regarding the content of an ideal rehabilitation app. ® ® The Google Play and Apple app stores were systematically searched. The Mobile App Rating Scale (MARS) and the Systematic Usability Scale (SUS) were used for the assessment of apps. A questionnaire was designed and used in a post op orthopaedic clinic at a large tertiary center. 102 patients (52 TKR and 50 THR) completed the questionnaire. Nine apps were included in the systematic review. On MARS assessment, the mean overall score was 3.55/5. The highest and lowest mean scores were seen in the functionality (3.86/5) and aesthetics (3.44/5) subscales respectively. The mean overall SUS score was 75.3/100 (Grade B) with a range of 51.25 - 95. Both scales suggested moderate levels of quality and user friendliness of currently available apps, but with significant variation between apps. Patient preferences are not currently ideally matched by available apps.

ActaOrthopBelg-92-1-cover

About this issue

Volume 92, issue 2.

Summer 2026.

Open access journal

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