Although limited to digital meetings and restricted research capabilities with our affiliated hospitals during the Covid-19 pan­demic, the initial aim of the SDSTF was to provide a systematic review of all studies on wearable activity monitors for fracture management published in the last decade. From more than 2000 identified studies, 136 reports were analyzed focusing on tech­nology, treatment, assessed outcome, and general usability features. The study was accepted at the DKOU and SICOT annual meetings and published in the Indian Journal of Orthopaedics.

To provide a clinical perspective on the current state of wear­able technology and determine future needs relating to this field, SDSTF and AO Trauma conducted a survey analysis derived from more than 400 respondents (Fig 2). Not only were we able to determine the current characteristics of these tools but we were also able to assess the additional developmental needs of trauma surgeons. The analysis is now finalized and will be prepared for publication.

In addition to these projects and alongside the collaboration with DePuy Synthes on emerging digital projects SDSTF members are presently overseeing an investigator-initiated clinical study to assess the direct impact of new wearable monitors on clinical trauma treatment and determine how digital technologies can enhance the patient journey. The first patients are already enrolled in this new trial to track the healing progress and subsequently provide objective patient outcome data. Together with the systematic review, survey, and study, the ambitious goal is to provide comprehensive recommendations on the best evidence-based practices for using wearable devices to measure activity, and then advise on clinically relevant outcome parameters.