Telemedicine in total joint arthroplasty: toward continuous and patient-centered postoperative care

Telemedicine has increasingly become an important component of orthopedic postoperative care, particularly in total joint arthroplasty (TJA). This mini review synthesizes current evidence suggesting that specific telemedicine modalities-such as video-based consultations, smartphone-assisted wound monitoring, and structured telerehabilitation-may achieve comparable outcomes in terms of wound assessment accuracy, short-term functional recovery, and patient satisfaction in selected patients undergoing uncomplicated total hip or knee arthroplasty. By reducing geographical and logistical barriers, it enables more continuous and accessible follow-up, potentially supporting patient-centered recovery. Beyond clinical outcomes, telemedicine may facilitate multidisciplinary collaboration, support early identification of complications, and enhance psychosocial engagement through sustained patient-provider communication. Nevertheless, the existing evidence is heterogeneous, and its generalizability is limited by factors such as digital access disparities, variability in study design, and evolving regulatory frameworks. Future developments, including artificial intelligence and wearable technologies, may further expand the role of telemedicine in postoperative care. Overall, telemedicine represents a promising adjunct to conventional follow-up, although its optimal integration into routine orthopedic practice requires further validation.