Abstract :
Tele-orthopaedics in India has transitioned from pandemic-driven necessity to a vital healthcare modality addressing rural-urban disparities. This editorial explores its evolving clinical applications—trauma triage, post-operative monitoring, tele-rehabilitation, pediatric screening, and virtual mentoring—highlighting efficiency gains and accessibility. However, limitations persist: the absence of tactile examination compromises diagnostic accuracy, while infrastructural and socio-cultural barriers hinder equitable access. The 2020 Telemedicine Practice Guidelines provide a legal framework, delineating drug prescription categories, consent protocols, and documentation standards, with strict prohibitions on narcotics and mandates for data privacy. The future lies in a “Phygital” model integrating digital tools with selective physical assessment. Emerging technologies like AI-driven imaging, wearable sensors, and blockchain-secured records promise to enhance remote care without compromising clinical rigor. Ultimately, tele-orthopaedics must be wielded with discernment—extending reach without diluting responsibility—to ensure that virtual consultations uphold the same standards as in-person care, safeguarding both patient outcomes and medico-legal integrity.
Keyword :
Tele-orthopaedics, Artificial intelligence, Phygital model