Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 25, 2026
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Skype: a tool for functional assessment in orthopaedic research
Daniel W Good1, Darren F Lui, Michael Leonard
1Department of Trauma, Orthopaedics, Pelvic and Acetabular Reconstructive Surgery, Adelaide and Meath Incorporating the National Children's Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland. goodd@tcd.ie
Video calls via Skype offer a viable alternative for assessing shoulder function after clavicle fracture surgery. This remote method proved comparable to in-person evaluations, enhancing patient convenience and potentially reducing healthcare costs.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Telemedicine
- Patient assessment
Background:
- Acromioclavicular joint hook plates are used for lateral-third clavicle fractures.
- Traditional follow-up involves in-person outpatient reviews.
- Telemedicine offers potential for remote patient assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of using Skype for functional assessment of patients with clavicle fractures.
- To compare Skype-based assessments with traditional outpatient reviews.
- To determine patient preference for remote versus in-person follow-up.
Main Methods:
- Prospective review of patients treated with acromioclavicular joint hook plates.
- Functional assessment using Oxford and Constant shoulder scores via Skype.
- Comparison with Bland-Altman analysis of outpatient reviews.
- Patient survey on follow-up preferences.
Main Results:
- 29 out of 36 patients (83%) participated in Skype assessments.
- Mean differences in Oxford and Constant scores between Skype and outpatient review were not clinically significant.
- 93% of surveyed patients preferred Skype follow-up due to convenience and cost savings.
Conclusions:
- Skype can serve as a reliable alternative to goniometry for functional assessment in this clinical setting.
- Telemedicine, specifically Skype, demonstrates potential for improving patient follow-up options.
- Remote assessment via Skype offers a convenient and cost-effective solution for post-operative care.
