Faculty Collaboration Database

Postoperative care via smartphone following carpal tunnel release. J Telemed Telecare 2020 May;26(4):223-231

Date

11/16/2018

Pubmed ID

30428766

DOI

10.1177/1357633X18807606

Scopus ID

2-s2.0-85059571794 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site)   29 Citations

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: This study explores a novel smartphone application for postoperative care following carpal tunnel release (CTR). We hypothesized that a software-based 'virtual visit' for CTR could be safe, effective and convenient for the patient.

METHODS: Our group developed the software application utilized in this study. Interactive steps with video instructions enabled patients to complete dressing and suture removal, capture a wound photo, answer a question about median nerve symptoms and capture a video of finger range of motion. Adult patients undergoing endoscopic or open CTR were enrolled. Prior to their scheduled postoperative visit, patients received and completed the module using their smartphone. Agreement between findings of the virtual visit and the corresponding in-person clinical visit was assessed using kappa values.

RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were contacted regarding study enrolment and 17 patients were enrolled (ages 23-63, mean 48.2, 6M, 11F). Of 16 patients who participated, all completed dressing removal. Ten of 16 patients removed their sutures successfully. Fourteen patients captured a clinically adequate wound photo and 15 patients answered a question about median nerve symptoms. Fourteen patients captured a range of motion video. Software assessments of surgical wounds, nerve symptoms and physical exams agreed strongly with clinical assessments.

DISCUSSION: Most patients were able to respond to a question about their symptoms, provide clinical assessment of their wound via a photo and record a video of their range of motion. Suture removal was the most difficult task. More investigation is needed to determine which patients can reliably remove their sutures.

Author List

Tofte JN, Anthony CA, Polgreen PM, Buckwalter JA, Caldwell LS, Fowler TP, Ebinger T, Hanley JM, Dowdle SB, Holte AJ, Arpey NC, Lawler EA

Author

Jessica M. Hanley MD Assistant Professor in the Orthopaedic Surgery department at Medical College of Wisconsin

MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold

Adult
Aged
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Postoperative Care
Range of Motion, Articular
Simulation Training
Smartphone
Young Adult