Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome by low-level laser versus open carpal tunnel release

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist. It is one of the most common peripheral nerve disorders. The cause of idiopathic CTS remains unclear. The diagnosis of CTS is still mainly clinical. Open carpal tunnel release is the standard treatment. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of low level laser treatment (LLLT) for CTS in comparison to the standard open carpal tunnel release surgery. Out of 54 patients, 60 symptomatic hands complaining of CTS were divided into two equal groups. Group A, was subjected to LLLT by Helium Neon (He–Ne) laser (632.8 nm), whereas group B was treated by the open approach for carpal tunnel release. The patients were evaluated clinically and by nerve conduction studies (NCSs) about 6 months after the treatment. LLLT showed overall significant results but at a lower level in relation to surgery. LLLT showed significant outcomes in all parameters of subjective complaints (p ≤ 0.01) except for muscle weakness. Moreover, LLLT showed significant results in all parameters of objective findings (p ≤ 0.01) except for thenar atrophy. However, NCSs expressed the same statistical significance (p ≤ 0.01) after the treatment by both modalities. LLLT has proven to be an effective and noninvasive treatment modality for CTS especially for early and mild-to-moderate cases when pain is the main presenting symptom. However, surgery could be preserved for advanced and chronic cases. Refinement of laser tools and introduction of other wavelengths could make LLLT for CTS treatment a field for further investigations.     

LLLT for the management of patients with ankylosing spondylitis

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the combined low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and passive stretching with combined placebo LLLT laser and the same passive stretching exercises in patients suffering from Αnkylosing spondylitis. Forty-eight patients suffering from Αnkylosing spondylitis participated in the study and were randomized into two groups. Group A (n?=?24) was treated with a λ?=?820 Ga-Al-As laser CW, with power intensity?=?60 mW/cm², energy per point in each session?=?4.5 J, total energy per session?=?27.0 J, in contact with specific points technique, plus passive stretching exercises. Group B (n?=?24), received placebo laser plus the same passive stretching exercises. Both groups received 12 sessions of laser or placebo within 8 weeks; two sessions per week (weeks 1–4) and one session per week (weeks 5–8). Pain and function scales were completed before the treatment, at the end of the fourth and eighth week of treatment, and 8 weeks after the end of treatment (follow-up). Group A revealed a significant improvement after 8 weeks of treatment in all pain and function scales. At 8-week follow-up, the improvement remained only for the pain, while for all other function outcomes the differences were not statistically significant. The results suggested that after an 8-week treatment and after a follow-up, the combination of LLLT and passive stretching exercises decreased pain more effectively than placebo LLLT along with the same passive stretching exercises in patients with Αnkylosing spondylitis. Future studies are needed to establish the relative and absolute effectiveness of the above protocol.     

Laser therapy in the treatment of achilles tendinopathy: a pilot study

OBJECTIVE: To test the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial to assess the clinical effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) when used in addition to eccentric exercise in the management of Achilles tendinopathy. BACKGROUND DATA: LLLT has emerged as a possible treatment modality for tendon injuries. Over the past 20 years only three human studies have investigated LLLT for Achilles tendinopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients were randomized into an active laser or placebo group; all patients, therapists, and investigators were blinded to allocation. All patients were given a 12-week eccentric exercise program and irradiated three times per week for 4 wk with either an active or placebo laser at standardized points over the affected tendons. Irradiation parameters in the active treatment group were: 810 nm, 100 mW, applied to six points on the tendon for 30 s, for a total dose of 3 J per point and 18 J per session. Outcome measures were the VISA-A questionnaire, pain, and isokinetic strength. Patients were measured before treatment and at 4 and 12 wk. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze data, using the effects of baseline measurements as a covariate. RESULTS: Within groups, there were significant improvements (p < 0.05) at 4 and 12 wk for all outcome measures, except eccentric strength for the placebo group at 4 wk (p = 0.11). Based on the results of the current study, recruitment of 20 subjects per group would be required to perform an adequately powered study based on minimally important clinical differences in VISA-A scale. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated the feasibility of undertaking a randomized controlled trial of LLLT for Achilles tendinopathy. Conclusions regarding effectiveness cannot be made due to the low statistical power of this pilot study.     

Low-level laser therapy in meniscal pathology: a double-blinded placebo-controlled trial

We performed a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study (ISRCTN24203769) to assess the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in patients with meniscal pathology, including only symptomatic patients with tiny focus of grade 3 attenuation (seen only on 0.7 thickness sequences) or intrasubstance tears with spot of grade 3 signal intensity approaching the articular surface. None of the patients in the study group underwent arthroscopy or new magnetic resonance imaging investigation. Paired-samples t test was used to detect significant changes in subjective knee pain over the experimental period within groups, and ANOVA was used to detect any significant differences between the two groups. Pain was significantly improved for the LLLT group than for the placebo group (F?=?154, p?<?0.0001). Pain scores were significantly better after LLLT. Four (12.5 %) patients did not respond to LLLT. At baseline, the average Lysholm score was 77?±?4.6 for the LLLT group and 77.2?±?2.6 for the placebo group (p?>?0.05). Four weeks after LLLT or placebo therapy, the laser group reported an average Lysholm score of 82.5?±?4.6, and the placebo group scored 79.0?±?1.9. At 6 months, the laser group had an average Lysholm score of 82.2?±?5.7, and after 1 year, they scored 81.6?±?6.6 (F?=?14.82923, p?=?0.002). Treatment with LLLT was associated with a significant decrease of symptoms compared to the placebo group: it should be considered in patients with meniscal tears who do not wish to undergo surgery.     

Carpal tunnel syndrome treated with guided brain plasticity: a randomised,controlled study

Introduction: Guided plasticity, induced by cutaneous forearm anaesthesia, improves hand sensibility in patients with nerve injury and vibration-induced neuropathy. This study investigated whether patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) would benefit from cutaneous forearm anaesthesia.

Methods: Seventy patients with clinical and electroneurography-verified CTS were randomised to sensory training combined with either an anaesthetic cream (EMLA^®) (n?=?34) or a placebo cream (n?=?36) on the volar part of the forearm. The treatment was repeated at increasing intervals over 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BCTQ) symptom severity scale after 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes included activity limitations, sensory function, and nerve conduction. This study compared the longitudinal changes between the two groups, and with correction for multiple comparisons it also compared the longitudinal change within the groups.

Results: There were no significant differences in primary or secondary outcomes between the groups. However, the BCTQ symptom severity scale improved significantly within the EMLA^® group over the 8-week period (p?=?0.001). Apart from this, no significant improvements in activity limitations, sensory function, or nerve conduction were seen in the two groups compared to baseline. Altogether, 47% of patients in the EMLA^® group and 61% in the placebo group had been operated on with carpal tunnel release by 12 months.

Conclusion: An 8-week treatment protocol with cutaneous forearm anaesthesia to guide brain plasticity gave no significant subjective or objective improvements in hand function compared to placebo.     

Hypothenar fat pad flap vs conventional open release in primary carpal tunnel syndrome:A randomized controlled trial

AIM To compared outcomes between the hypothenar fat pad flap(HTFPF) and conventional open carpal tunnel release(COR) in primary carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS). METHODS Forty-five patients(49 hands) were enrolled into the study from January 2014 to March 2016, 8 patients were excluded. Randomization was conducted in 37 patients(41 hands) by computer generated(Block of four randomization) into COR and HTFPF group. Nerve conduction study(NCS) included distal sensory latency(DSL), distal motor latency(DML), sensory amplitude (S-amp), motor amplitude(M-amp) and sensory nerve conduction velocity(SCV) were examined at 6 and 12 wk after CTR. Levine score, grip and pinch strength, pain [visual analog scale(VAS)], 2-point discrimination(2-PD), Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test(SWM), Phalen test and Tinel's sign were evaluated in order to compare treatment outcomes.RESULTS The COR group, 19 patients(20 hands) mean age 50.4 years. The HTFPF group, 20 patients(21 hands) mean age 53.3 years. Finally 33 patients(36 hands) were analysed, 5 patients were loss follow-up, 17 hands in COR and 19 hands in HTFPF group. NCS revealed significant difference of DSL in HTFPF group at 6 wk(P 0.05) compared with the COR group. S-amp was significant improved postoperatively in both groups(P 0.05) but not significant difference between two groups. No significant difference of DML, M-amp and SCV postoperatively in both groups and between two groups. Levine score, pain(VAS), grip and pinch strength, 2-PD, SWM, Phalen test and Tinel's sign were improved postoperatively in both groups, but there was no significant difference between two groups.CONCLUSION There is no advantage outcome in primary CTS for having additional HTFPF procedure in CTR. COR is still the standard treatment. Nevertheless, improvement of DSL and S-amp could be observed at 6 wk postoperatively.     

Outcome of low level lasers versus ultrasonic therapy in de Quervain's tenosynovitis

Background:

de Quervain''s tenosynovitis is an inflammation of abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) muscle tendon sheaths at the level of radial styloid process. Its conservative management includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, wrist and thumb immobilization, ultrasonic therapy (US Th.) and low level laser therapy (LLLT). Literature is scanty on comparative efficacy of US Th. and LLLT for its management. This prospective study evaluates outcome of US Th. versus LLLT in de Quervain''s disease.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty patients clinically diagnosed de Quervains tenosynovitis were included in the study and randomly assigned to two groups. The average age was 36 years (range: 21-45 years). One group was given LLLT and the other US Th. for a total of 7 exposures on alternate days. The clinical criteria used were Finkelstein''s test, tenderness over radial styloid (Ritchie''s tenderness scale), grip strength, pain (visual analog scale [VAS]) and radiological criteria was ultrasonographic assessment of change in thickness of APL and EPB tendon sheath. They were measured before commencement and at the end of seven sessions of therapy, as per standard procedure.

Results:

Significant improvement was seen within both groups in the following outcome measures assessed: Ritchie''s tenderness scale, grip strength and VAS. Finkelstein''s test was not significantly improved in either groups. Ultrasonographic measurement of tendon sheath diameters, the mediolateral (ML), and anteroposterior (AP) diameters was not found to be significantly different in the US Th. group and the laser therapy group after treatment. On comparing both the groups, no statistically significant difference was found. However, looking at the mean values, the grip strength and VAS showed better improvement in the US Th. group as compared to the laser therapy group.     

Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome by low-level laser therapy versus corticosteroid injection: a randomized,prospective clinical study

Lasers in Medical Science - To compare the effects of low level laser therapy (LLLT) and corticosteroid injection in patients with moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Eighty-seven patients (143...     

The short-term efficacy of laser, brace, and ultrasound treatment in lateral epicondylitis: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and to compare these with the effects of brace or ultrasound (US) treatment in tennis elbow. The study design used was a prospective and randomized, controlled, single-blind trial. Fifty-eight outpatients with lateral epicondylitis (9 men, 49 women) were included in the trial. The patients were divided into three groups: 1) brace group-brace plus exercise, 2) ultrasound group-US plus exercise, and 3) laser group-LLLT plus exercise. Patients in the brace group used a lateral counterforce brace for three weeks, US plus hot pack in the ultrasound group, and laser plus hot pack in the LLLT group. In addition, all patients were given progressive stretching and strengthening exercise programs. Grip strength and pain severity were evaluated with visual analog scale (VAS) at baseline, at the second week of treatment, and at the sixth week of treatment. VAS improved significantly in all groups after the treatment and in the ultrasound and laser groups at the sixth week (p<0.05). Grip strength of the affected hand increased only in the laser group after treatment, but was not changed at the sixth week. There were no significant differences between the groups on VAS and grip strength at baseline and at follow-up assessments. The results show that, in patients with lateral epicondylitis, a brace has a shorter beneficial effect than US and laser therapy in reducing pain, and that laser therapy is more effective than the brace and US treatment in improving grip strength.     

Low-level laser therapy to treat fibromyalgia

Several clinical treatments have been proposed to manage symptoms of fibromyalgia. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may be a useful tool to treat this dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of LLLT in patients with fibromyalgia. A placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial was carried out with 20 patients divided randomly into either an LLLT group (n?=?10) or a placebo group (n?=?10). The LLLT group was treated with a GaAlAs laser (670 nm, 4 J/cm² on 18 tender points) three times a week over 4 weeks. Before and after treatment, patients were evaluated with the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), McGill Pain Questionnaire, and visual analog scale (VAS). Data from the FIQ and McGill questionnaire for the treated and control groups were analyzed by paired t tests, and Wilcoxon tests were used to analyze data from the VAS. After LLLT or sham treatment, the number of tender points was significantly reduced in both groups (LLLT, p?p?=?0.0001). However, all other fibromyalgia symptoms showed significant improvements after LLLT compared to placebo (FIQ, p?=?0.0003; McGill, p?=?0.0078; and VAS, p?=?0.0020). LLLT provided relief from fibromyalgia symptoms in patients and should be further investigated as a therapeutic tool for management in fibromyalgia.     

Acute effects of low-level laser therapy irradiation on blood lactate and muscle fatigue perception in hospitalized patients with heart failure—a pilot study

The objective of the present study is to evaluate the acute effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on functional capacity, perceived exertion, and blood lactate in hospitalized patients with heart failure (HF). Patients diagnosed with systolic HF (left ventricular ejection fraction <45 %) were randomized and allocated prospectively into two groups: placebo LLLT group (n?=?10)—subjects who were submitted to placebo laser and active LLLT group (n?=?10)—subjects who were submitted to active laser. The 6-min walk test (6MWT) was performed, and blood lactate was determined at rest (before LLLT application and 6MWT), immediately after the exercise test (time 0) and recovery (3, 6, and 30 min). A multi-diode LLLT cluster probe (DMC, São Carlos, Brazil) was used. Both groups increased 6MWT distance after active or placebo LLLT application compared to baseline values (p?=?0.03 and p?=?0.01, respectively); however, no difference was observed during intergroup comparison. The active LLLT group showed a significant reduction in the perceived exertion Borg (PEB) scale compared to the placebo LLLT group (p?=?0.006). In addition, the group that received active LLLT showed no statistically significant difference for the blood lactate level through the times analyzed. The placebo LLLT group demonstrated a significant increase in blood lactate between the rest and recovery phase (p?<?0.05). Acute effects of LLLT irradiation on skeletal musculature were not able to improve the functional capacity of hospitalized patients with HF, although it may favorably modulate blood lactate metabolism and reduce perceived muscle fatigue.     

Effect of low-level laser therapy in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis: a single-blinded randomized clinical study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on pain relief and functional performance in patients with chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Forty patients with knee OA were randomly assigned into active laser group (n?=?20) and placebo laser group (n?=?20). The LLLT device used was a Ga–As diode laser with a power output of 50 mW, a wavelength of 850 nm, and a diameter beam of 1 mm. Eight points were irradiated and received dosage of 6 J/point for 60 s, with a total dosage of 48 J/cm² in each session. The placebo group was identical but treated without emission of energy. LLLT was applied two times per week over the period of 4 weeks. Outcome measurements included pain intensity at rest and at movement on visual analog scale, knee function using Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index scale, and ambulation duration. These measurements were collected at baseline and post-intervention. The results showed significant improvements in all assessment parameters in both groups compared to baseline. Active laser group showed significant differences in pain intensity at rest and movement, knee function, and ambulation duration when compared with the placebo group. Therefore, LLLT seemed to be an effective modality for short-term pain relief and function improvement in patients with chronic knee OA.     

Effect of low-level laser therapy (808 nm) on markers of muscle damage: a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

The aim of this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study was to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on markers of muscle damage (creatine kinase (CK) and strength performance) in the biceps brachii. Twenty-two physically active men were randomized into two groups: placebo and laser. All volunteers were submitted to an exercise-induced muscle damage protocol for biceps brachii (biceps curl, 10 sets of 10 repetitions with load of 50 % of one-repetition maximum test (1RM)). Active LLLT (808 nm; 100 mW; 35.7 W/cm², 357.14 J/cm² per point, energy of 1 J per point applied for 10 s on four points of the biceps brachii belly of each arm) or placebo was applied between the sets of the biceps curl exercise. CK activity and maximum strength performance (1RM) were measured before, immediately after, 24, 48, and 72 h after the exercise-induced muscle damage protocol. There was an increase in CK activity after the muscle damage protocol in both groups; however, this increase was attenuated in the laser group compared to the placebo group at 72 h (placebo?=?841 vs. laser?=?357 %; p?<?0.05). Maximum strength performance was decreased immediately after the muscle damage protocol in both groups (p?<?0.05), but at 24, 48, and 72 h, and it returned to the baseline level in both groups. In conclusion, the LLLT attenuated CK activity 72 h after the muscle damage protocol but did not have a positive effect on the recovery of strength performance.     

Effect of static wrist position on grip strength

Background:

Grip strength after wrist arthrodesis is reported to be significantly less than normal. One of the reasons suggested for this decrease in grip strength is that the arthrodesis was performed in a suboptimal position. However, there is no consensus on the ideal position of wrist fusion. There is a paucity of studies evaluating the effect of various fixed positions of the wrist on grip strength and therefore, there is no guide regarding the ideal position of wrist fusion. The authors′ aim was to determine the grip strength in various fixed positions of the wrist and subsequently to find out in which position of wrist fusion the grip strength would be maximal.

Materials and Methods:

One hundred healthy adults participated in the study. For the purpose of this study, the authors constructed splints to hold the wrist in five different fixed positions: 45, 30 and 15 degrees of wrist extension, neutral and 30 degrees of wrist flexion. The grip strength in all the participants was measured bilaterally, first without a splint and then with each splint sequentially.

Results:

The average grip strength without the splint was 34.3 kg for right and 32.3 kg for the left hand. Grip strength decreased by 19–25% when the wrist was splinted. The maximum average grip strength with a splint on was recorded at 45 degrees of extension (27.9 kg for right and 26.3 kg for left side). There was a gradual increase in the grip strength with increase in wrist extension but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.29). The grip strength was significantly less in flexed position of the wrist (P < 0.001).     

Five-day,low-level laser therapy for sports-related lower extremity periostitis in adult men: a randomized,controlled trial

Periostitis in the lower leg caused by overexercise is a universal problem in athletes and runners. The purpose of this study was to observe the functional improvement of the lower limbs upon rehabilitation low-level laser therapy (LLLT). All medical data were gathered from enrolled adults with sports-related lower leg pain. A total of 54 patients underwent triple-phase bone scans using skeletal nuclear scintigraphy, which confirmed periostitis in their lower limbs. The patients were then randomly divided into two groups: one group received laser therapy (N?=?29) and the other group (N?=?25) received an equivalent placebo treatment (a drug or physical therapy). Treatment protocol commenced with rehabilitation intervention and LLLT was performed three times daily for 5 days at a dosage of 1.4 J/cm². A Likert-type pain scale was used to evaluate the severity of pain. Balance function, including postural stability testing (PST) and limits of stability (LOS), was also performed to evaluate the function outcome. Patients experienced a significant improvement in pain by day 2 or day 5 after starting LLLT, but here was no significant difference in pain scale between the measurements before (baseline) and after LLLT. Comparing the PST, the group differences of dynamic vs. static testings ranged from ?18.54 to ?50.22 (compared 12, 8, 4, 3, 2, 1 to 0, all p?<?0.0001), and the PST after LLLT were 3.73 units (p?=?0.0258) lower than those of before LLLT. Comparing the LOS, the group differences of dynamic vs. static testing were similar to those in PST, and the relationship between LOS and groups only varied with the direction control during dynamic testing in direction at backward/right vs. right (p?<?0.0001). LLLT had a positive effect on proprioception in patients with lower limb periostitis. Larger, better controlled studies are needed to determine what specific effects LLLT has on the function of proprioception.     

Clinical Outcome and Neurophysiological Results of Low-Power Laser Irradiation in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

. The present study evaluates the effects of Low Power Laser (LPL) irradiation (pulsed wave 830 nm GaAs laser tri-diode) on 17 primary carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) hands through nerve conduction studies and through a validated clinical patient-oriented questionnaire. Systematic early and late follow-up (six evaluations) was achieved and showed transitory improvement of clinical and neurophysiological patterns; the maximum effect was observed at the end and 15 days after therapy. Later evaluations (2 and 12 months) showed that almost all parameters progressively returned to the pretreatment pattern. The results were compared with those obtained from an untreated control group. The data suggest that low power laser treatment can improve the condition of CTS hands, but it seems that this is transitory. Our observations suggest that LPL may be a useful therapy in selected cases of CTS. Paper received 24 June 1998; accepted following revision 7 December 1998.     

Effect of low-level laser therapy after rapid maxillary expansion: a clinical investigation

To evaluate the effectiveness low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the repair of the mid palatal suture, after rapid maxillary expansion (RME). A single-operator, randomized single-blind placebo-controlled study was performed at the Orthodontic Department at the Dental Hospital of Bellvitge. Barcelona University, Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain. Thirty-nine children (range 6–12 years old), completed RME and were randomized to receive active LLLT (n?=?20) or placebo (n?=?19). The laser parameters and dose were 660 nm, 100 mW, CW, InGaAlP laser, illuminated area 0.26 cm², 332 mW/cm², 60 s to four points along midpalatal suture, and 30 s to a point each side of the suture. A total of seven applications were made on days 1, 7, 14, 28, 42, 56, and 70 of the retention phase RME. A cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan was carried out on the day of the first laser treatment, and at day 75, a second CBCT scan was performed. Two radiologists synchronized the slices of two scans to be assessed. P?=?0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. At day 75 of the suture, the irradiated patients presented a greater percentage of approximate zones in the anterior (p?=?0.008) and posterior (p?=?0.001) superior suture—and less approximation in the posterior superior suture (p?=?0.040)—than the placebo group. LLLT appears to stimulate the repair process during retention phase after RME.     

腕管综合征的治疗方法选择与疗效评价

目的 评价不同方法治疗腕管综合征(CTS)的疗效,为提高CTS的诊治水平提供依据.方法 回顾性分析2005年5月至2009年9月收治的162例CTS患者,其中轻度CTS 96例,重度CTS 54例,正中神经完全损伤型CTS 12例.针对不同类型患者分别采用保守治疗、单纯腕管松解手术治疗、腕管+掌腱膜完全松解手术治疗.比较治疗前后患者的临床表现、神经电生理检测、Chen W-S腕部正中神经损害疗效评分等指标.结果 162例患者治疗后获6～36个月(平均15个月)随访.轻度CTS:3种治疗方法均有效,临床症状改善明显,经治疗后Chen W-S评分由(73.1±6.5)分提高到(94.9±8.7)分,手术治疗较保守治疗效果无明显优势.重度CTS:3种治疗方法均有效,保守治疗患者治疗后Chen W-S评分提高了(9.9±1.4)分,单纯腕管松解手术后Chen W-S评分提高了(24.6±8.2)分,腕管+掌腱膜完全松解手术后Chen W-S评分提高了(33.9±7.5)分,腕管+掌腱膜完全松解手术的疗效优于单纯腕管松解手术,而二者均优于保守治疗.正中神经完全损伤型CTS:治疗后临床症状改善不明显.结论 早期发现、及时治疗并去除发病诱因是促进CTS患者恢复的有效措施.针对CTS的不同损伤程度,采用不同的治疗方法可促进手部功能恢复.     

Laser acupuncture in patients with temporomandibular dysfunction: a randomized controlled trial

A prospective, double-blind, randomized, and placebo-controlled trial was conducted in patients with chronic temporomandibular disorder (TMD) to check the analgesic efficacy of infrared low-power GaAlAs diode laser applied to acupuncture points. Forty female subjects, ranging in age from 20 to 40 years, with diagnoses of chronic myofascial pain and arthralgia were randomly allocated to two groups: an experimental group (EG) who received the laser acupuncture as adjunct to reversible occlusal splint therapy and a control group (CG) who received a placebo laser associated with occlusal splint therapy. Both approaches were applied once a week for 3 months. Laser acupuncture was defined by the following parameters: 50-mW continuous radiation for 90 s to acupoints ST6, SI19, GB20, GB43, LI4, LR3, NT3, and EX-HN3; defining 4.5-J energy; 1250-W/cm² density point; and 112.5-J/cm² total density. The outcome measurements included a symptom evolution assessment carried out by checking spontaneous and palpation pain intensity, which was indicated on a visual analog scale (VAS). All evaluations were made by an assessor who was blind to the treatment. The symptom reduction was significant in both groups (EG: VAS?=?0, n?=?20; CG: VAS between 2 and 4, n?=?18). The measurements showed significantly faster and lower pain intensity values in the EG (p?≤?0.002), where there was a higher proportion of patients with remission of symptoms related to the action of laser acupuncture. For patients in whom conservative treatment was adopted, the laser acupuncture is a secure, noninvasive, and effective treatment modality because it improves the chronic pain associated with TMD and has no side effects.     

掌部小切口治疗腕管综合征

目的介绍应用新型掌部小切口行腕管松解术。方法对确诊为腕管综合征的68例(89侧)患者采用新型掌部小切口行腕管松解术,该切口为纵行、位于鱼际纹尺侧2～3mm、长约2.0～2.5cm,近端不超过远侧腕横纹。结果经术后6个月随访,所有患者症状均消失,拇短展肌肌力、握力、捏力、皮肤感觉功能均明显改善,术前术后差异在统计学极具显著意义(P<0.001)。本组无任何神经血管并发症,无1例出现腕掌部瘢痕疼痛。结论本切口具有安全、损伤小、直视下松解腕管并同时可行正中神经内松解和尺管松解、手术瘢痕小等诸多优点,是腕管松解术的一种新型、可靠的手术入路。