ABSTRACT
Background:
Although demonstrating remarkable promise in other fields, the impact of
artificial intelligence (including ChatGPT in
hand surgery and medical practice) remains largely undetermined. In this study, we asked ChatGPT frequently asked
patient-focused questions
surgeons may receive in clinic from
patients who have carpel tunnel
syndrome (CTS) and evaluated the quality of its output.
Methods:
Using ChatGPT, we asked 10 frequently asked questions that
hand surgeons may receive in the clinic before carpel tunnel release (CTR)
surgery. Included questions were generated from the authors' own experiences regarding conservative and operative
treatment of CTS.
Results:
Responses from the following 10 questions were included (1) What is CTS and what are its
signs and symptoms? (2) What are the nonsurgical options for CTS? (3) Should I get
surgery for CTS? (4) What is a CTR and how is it preformed? (5) What are the differences between open and endoscopic CTR? (6) What are the
risks associated with CTR and how frequently do they occur? (7) Does CTR
cure CTS? (8) How much improvement in my symptoms can I expect after CTR? (9) How long is the recovery after CTR? (10) Can CTS recur after
surgery?
Conclusions:
Overall, the chatbot provided accurate and comprehensive information in response to most common and nuanced questions regarding CTS and CTR
surgery, all in a way that would be easily understood by many
patients. Importantly, the chatbot did not provide
patient-specific advice and consistently advocated for
consultation with a
healthcare provider.