Performance of Handwriting and Digital Typing After Carpal Tunnel Release: The TACTUS (Typing Ability in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) Study.

Background

Carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery may have an impact on the speed and accuracy of handwriting and digital typing using a computer or mobile devices.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, patients undergoing CTR surgery of the dominant hand, between 18 and 70 years of age, with frequent use of a QWERTY keyboard and smartphone were included. A baseline Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for subjective alteration of writing and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) were collected at a maximum 3-month follow-up. Digital typing speed (word per minute, wpm) and accuracy (number of mistakes) were tested. Handwriting was assessed by means of direct supervision of one investigator.

Results

Of the 30 enrolled patients, 23 (76.7%) completed the 3-month follow-up and were included in the final analysis (mean age 55 ± 12.3 years). Pre- and post-surgery improvements in keyboard typing speed (14.8 ± 6.8 wpm to 17.6 ± 5 wpm) and mobile texting speed (16.7 ± 5.9 wpm to 21.7 ± 6.5 wpm) were significantly improved over time. Accuracy improved significantly only in keyboard typing, where the mean number of errors was reduced (13.1 ± 8.2 to 9.9 ± 5.6). QuickDASH scores decreased significantly (39.1 ± 9.1 to 17 ± 6).

Conclusions

CTR surgery was associated with improved typing speed and reduced the number of errors (19% and -24%, respectively) as well as texting speed (30%). This improvement may be relevant in daily and occupational activities, as reported in the previous literature.