Journal article
Postoperative care via smartphone following carpal tunnel release
Journal of telemedicine and telecare, Vol.26(4), pp.223-231
05/2020
DOI: 10.1177/1357633X18807606
PMID: 30428766
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.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Postoperative care via smartphone following carpal tunnel release
- Creators
- Josef N Tofte - Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USAChristopher A Anthony - Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USAPhilip M Polgreen - Innovation Laboratory, Signal Center, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USAJoseph A Buckwalter - Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USALindsey S Caldwell - Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USATimothy P Fowler - Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USAThomas Ebinger - Steindler Orthopaedic Clinic, Iowa City, IA, USAJessica M Hanley - Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USASpencer B Dowdle - Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USAAndrew J Holte - Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, USANicholas C Arpey - Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, USAEricka A Lawler - Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Publication Details
- Journal of telemedicine and telecare, Vol.26(4), pp.223-231
- DOI
- 10.1177/1357633X18807606
- PMID
- 30428766
- NLM abbreviation
- J Telemed Telecare
- ISSN
- 1357-633X
- eISSN
- 1758-1109
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 05/2020
- Academic Unit
- Epidemiology; Orthopedics and Rehabilitation; Injury Prevention Research Center; Internal Medicine
- Record Identifier
- 9984001230402771
Metrics
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