Publications by authors named "Alexander W Mettler"
Purpose: The CTS-6 can be used clinically to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and has demonstrated high levels of interrater reliability when administered by nonexpert clinicians. Our purpose was to assess sensitivity (Sn), specificity (Sp), and interrater reliability of the CTS-6 when administered by medical assistants (MAs).
Methods: A series of patients presenting to an academic, upper-extremity surgery clinic were screened using CTS-6 between May and June of 2023.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the complication rates of endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) relative to orthopedic resident trainee involvement in the procedure.
Methods: All patients undergoing isolated, elective ECTR by two attending surgeons within a 59-month period were analyzed. Cases were categorized as the following according to the degree of resident involvement: ECTR performed by attending with either no resident or a resident as an assistant (group 1), resident performing a portion of the procedure (group 2), and resident performing the entire procedure (group 3).
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence, outcomes, and complications associated with conversion from endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) to open carpal tunnel release (OCTR).
Methods: A retrospective case review of all patients who underwent ECTR over 4 years by 2 fellowship-trained hand surgeons at a single academic center was performed. We recorded outcomes and the reason for conversion in patients who underwent conversion to an OCTR.
Purpose: To define technology and social media use among rural upper-extremity patients. In addition, we aimed to assess how patients use social media in relation to health care and their willingness to participate in telemedicine programs.
Methods: An anonymous multiple-choice written survey was administered to 550 upper-extremity patients at 4 rural outreach clinics.
Purpose: Our purpose was to evaluate the implementation of a postoperative hand and upper extremity telemedicine program. We aimed to compare travel burden, visit time, and patient satisfaction between an initial postoperative telemedicine visit and a second conventional in-clinic visit.
Methods: Telemedicine guidelines established by our hospital system were used as inclusion criteria for this prospective study, which included patients indicated for surgery in the outpatient clinic during a 3-month period.