Abstract
Purpose: The objective of the study was to determine the changes in the driving pattern – especially the capacity to use the steering wheel after carpal tunnel surgery so that recommendation for suitability to return back to driving can be made.
Methods Used: A computerised driving simulator normally used for driving assessment of drivers with disability at the regional mobility centre at the Wrightington Hospital was used to assess the patient’s driving. Static and dynamic steering torque was measured before and at 2 & 6 weeks after carpal tunnel release in 25 patients using the static assessment rig. Driving reaction time was also studied in these patients.
Results: There was decrease from preoperative static steering torque to that at 2 weeks postoperatively but the dynamic steering torque did not differ in most cases. By 6 to 8 weeks postoperatively, the mean torque values for static and dynamic steering capacity had significantly improved. The driving reaction times at preoperative assessment did not differ significantly from the post operative ones at all times.
Conclusion: Although at 2 weeks postoperatively the ability to use the operated hand for static steering had not returned in most patients, their overall steering capacity was not affected as suggested by their unaffected dynamic steering time and the reaction time.
Honorary Secretary Mr Bimal Singh. Correspondence should be addressed to BOSA (British Orthopaedic Specialists Association), c/o Royal College of Surgeons, 35 – 43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
