Neutral wrist splinting in carpal tunnel syndrome: a 3- and 6-months clinical and neurophysiologic follow-up evaluation of night-only splint therapy.

Abstract

AIM:

The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term efficacy of night-only splint wear therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

METHODS:

We conducted a randomized case-control trial with evaluation after three and six months of follow-up of outpatients with mild, recent onset symptoms of CTS recruited from the department clinic. Fifty patients (50 hands) were enrolled, of which 36 completed the study at 6 months. The case group utilized a thermoplastic neutral wrist splint for night-only wear. Outcome measures were instrumental parameters (sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity), symptom and function alterations (as measured by Levine's self-administered questionnaire), clinical parameters (pressure-provocative and Phalen tests).

RESULTS:

Improvements were observed in Levine's symptom status score at the three-month (P=0.001) and the six-month (P=0.001) follow-up visits, in functional score (P=0.0001) and (P=0.0004), in median distal sensory latency (P=0.01) and (P=0.02), in pressure-provocative test outcome (P=0.01) and (P=0.003), in Phalen test outcome (P=0.04) and (P=0.05) respectively.

CONCLUSION:

Symptom relief and neurophysiological improvement after night-only splint wear therapy lasted up to the six-month follow-up visit.

• Authors: S Premoselli, P Sioli, A Grossi, C Cerri
• Journal: Europa medicophysica (Eura Medicophys) Vol. 42 Issue 2 Pg. 121-6 (Jun 2006) ISSN: 0014-2573 [Print] Italy
• PMID: 16767058 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (physiopathology, rehabilitation)
• Case-Control Studies
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Median Nerve (physiology)
• Middle Aged
• Neural Conduction (physiology)
• Splints
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome