Effective self-stretching of carpal ligament for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: A double-blinded randomized controlled study

IntroductionCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common nerve entrapment syndrome worldwide. There are limited studies on the effectiveness of carpal ligament stretching on symptomatic and electrophysiologic outcomes.Purpose of the StudyThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of self-myofascial stretching of the carpal ligament on symptom outcomes and nerve conduction findings in persons with CTS.Study DesignThis is a prospective, double-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.MethodsEighty-three participants diagnosed with median mononeuropathy across the wrist by nerve conduction study were randomized 1:1 to sham treatment or self-carpal ligament stretching. Participants were instructed to perform the self-treatment four times a day for six weeks. Seventeen participants in the sham treatment group and 19 participants in the carpal ligament stretching group completed the study. Pre- and post-treatment outcome measures included subjective complaints, strength, nerve conduction findings, and functional scores.ResultsGroups were balanced on age, sex, hand dominance, symptom duration, length of treatment, presence of nocturnal symptoms, and compliance with treatment. Even though the ANOVA analyses were inconclusive about group differences, explorative post hoc analyses revealed significant improvements in numbness (P = .011, Cohen's d = .53), tingling (P = .007, Cohen's d = .60), pinch strength (P = .007, Cohen's d = −.58), and symptom severity scale (P = .007, Cohen's d = .69) for the treatment group only.ConclusionsThe myofascial stretching of the carpal ligament showed statistically significant symptom improvement in persons with CTS. Larger comparative studies that include other modalities such as splinting should be performed to confirm the effectiveness of this treatment option.     

Effectiveness of Lavendula stoechas essential oil in treatment of mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Intrasurgical use of steroids on carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized,prospective, double-blind controlled study

We studied steroid irrigation of the median nerve during surgical decompression in carpal tunnel syndrome through a prospective randomized controlled study. After sample size calculation, 20 patients were randomized into two groups: one group had a release of the transverse carpal ligament alone, and the other one had a release associated with steroid irrigation of the median nerve. The patients were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 15 days and 2 months through a widely used and validated patient-oriented measure (the Carpal tunnel questionnaire) and through neurophysiological evaluation. The follow-up assessment showed significant differences in the postoperative evolution between the two groups with regard to symptoms: symptoms were less in the steroid-treated group both at 15 days (p>0.035; z=−2.9) and at two months (p<0.005; z=−2.8). This suggests that steroid irrigation of the median nerve offers benefit compared with the transverse carpal ligament release alone. This study provides clear evidence of the use-fulness of the procedure in the post-operative evolution of symptoms.     

Effects of a preoperative neuromobilization program offered to individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome awaiting carpal tunnel decompression surgery: A pilot randomized controlled study

Study DesignPilot randomized controlled trial with parallel groups.IntroductionEngaging individuals with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) awaiting carpal tunnel decompression surgery in a preoperative rehabilitation program may mitigate pain and sensorimotor impairments, enhance functional abilities before surgery, and improve postoperative outcomes.Purpose of the StudyTo assess the feasibility and the efficacy of a novel preoperative neuromobilization exercise program (NEP).MethodsThirty individuals with CTS were randomly allocated into a four-week home-based neuromobilization exercise group or a standard care group while awaiting surgery. Outcome measures included feasibility (ie, recruitment, attrition, adherence, satisfaction, and safety) and efficacy metrics (ie, median nerve integrity and neurodynamics, tip pinch grip, pain, and upper limb functional abilities) collected before (ie, at the baseline and about four weeks later) and four weeks after surgery.ResultsThirty individuals with CTS were recruited (recruitment rate = 11.8%) and 25 completed the study (attrition rate = 16.7%). Adherence (94%) and satisfaction with the program (eg, enjoy the exercises and likeliness to repeat the NEP (≥4.2/5) were high and no serious adverse event was reported. NEP-related immediate pre- and post-surgery beneficial effects on pain interference were documented (P = .05, η² = .10), whereas an overall increased neurodynamics (P = .04, η² = .11) and decreased pain severity (P = .01, η² = .21) were observed.DiscussionEngaging in the proposed NEP has limited beneficial effect as a stand-alone intervention on pre- and post-surgery outcomes for individuals with CTS. Expanding the program’s content and attribute by adding other components including desensitization maneuvers and novel therapies promoting corticospinal plasticity is recommended.ConclusionA preoperative NEP completed by individuals with CTS awaiting surgery is feasible, acceptable, and safe. However, given the limited beneficial effectsof the program, revision of its content and attributes is recommended before proceeding to large-scale trials.     

腕管综合征治疗研究进展

目的对腕管综合征(carpal tunnel syndrome,CTS)的治疗研究现状作一综述。方法查阅近年来国内外CTS治疗的相关文献,进行分析总结。结果腕夹板、类固醇适用于轻、中度CTS患者,近期效果显著;治疗后复发的CTS患者需采取手术治疗。主要术式为腕管松解术,包括腕管切开松解减压术(传统型和小切口型)、内镜下腕管松解减压术等。结论 CTS的最佳治疗方法尚无定论,部分学者推荐首选手术治疗。     

Sensitivity and specificity of clinical testing for carpal tunnel syndrome

OBJECTIVE:

The present study evaluated the sensitivity, specificity and predictive values of six clinical tests in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

METHODS:

There were 29 carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) subjects (mean age 48 years) and 30 control subjects (mean age 45 years). The six clinical tests included Tinel’s sign, wrist flexion with fingers extended, wrist flexion with fingers flexed, wrist extension, combined wrist extension/median nerve pressure and combined wrist flexion/median nerve pressure.

RESULTS:

The highest sensitivity and highest negative predictive value was found with wrist flexion with pressure (96%) and wrist extension with pressure (94%) at 60 s. The highest specificity was found with wrist flexion with fingers flexed for 30 s (95%). The highest positive predictive values were found with the wrist flexion with fingers flexed test for 30 s (91%) and the wrist extension test for 30 s (90%).

CONCLUSION:

No one test possesses all the qualities necessary to be the ideal clinical test for the detection of carpal tunnel syndrome.     

感觉过敏型腕管综合征的治疗

目的 报道7例感觉过敏型腕管综合征的诊治特点.方法 收集与分析2002年3月至2005年3月间128例腕管综合征中感觉过敏型7例的病情及治疗特点.其中女性4例、男性3例.4例应用内镜治疗,3例切开治疗,经1～4年随访,平均随访时间1.5年.结果 内镜治疗中2例疗效差,均在术中插入扩张导管时出现异常疼痛,另外2例基本满意.3例切开治疗中,2例疗效差,1例基本满意.3例基本满意中,2例内镜插入导管时均未出现疼痛,另1例为单纯切断腕横韧带,并在神经外膜下注射激素.结论 感觉过敏型腕管综合征是一组特殊病例,保护神经外膜是治疗关键.     

轻中度腕管综合征药物治疗长短期疗效

目的探讨轻中度腕管综合征药物治疗的长短期疗效。方法门诊随访24例(35腕)口服四联药(弥可保、地巴唑、维生素B1、维生素B6)的轻中度腕管综合征病人。病人在入组时、治疗4个月、6个月后及停药1年后来我院门诊随访,向医生汇报其近期临床症状表现,自评其患手功能并填写Boston腕管问卷调查表(BCTQ)。病人在入组时及治疗6个月后,需接受患肢桡侧3指感觉神经传导速度(SNCV)检测。结果药物治疗后病人临床症状明显好转,短期(4个月、6个月)临床有效率可高达94.3%,长期(停药后1年)临床有效率可高达91.4%。BCTQ功能总评分及桡侧3指SNCV也较治疗前有明显恢复。结论弥可保联合地巴唑、维生素B1及维生素B6治疗轻中度腕管综合征有很好的长短期疗效。     

超声检查在腕管综合征诊断中的应用

目的　探讨B型超声检查在诊断和治疗腕管综合征中的临床意义。方法　对5 0例临床及电生理检测确诊为腕管综合征的患者,应用B超对腕管进行检测,并与电生理结果和3 0例正常腕管B超结果进行相关性的对比研究。结果　B超检查CTS组屈肌支持带平均厚度为0 .3 9cm(正常为0 .3 3cm) ,钩骨钩平面正中神经平均扁平度为4.5 6(正常为3 .12 ) ,桡腕关节、豌豆骨、钩骨钩、钩骨远端四个平面正中神经横截面面积均大于对照组,两组差异有统计学意义。B超显示腕管内正中神经受压的程度,与电生理诊断结果相符。结论　B超检查对明确腕部疾病的诊断、正中神经受压程度均有参考价值,为临床提供了一种简单、可靠、无创的检测方法。     

甲状腺机能减退症误诊为腕管综合征1例

患者，女，46岁，因左手麻木无力半年余，右手麻木2个月就诊。患者半年前感左手麻木后逐渐无力，自诉刷牙时需用两手才能握住牙刷。辗转数家医院求治，均诊断为腕管综合征，给予局部封闭、理疗、神经营养药物口服等处理，疗效不佳，有医院拟手术治疗遭患者拒绝。病情进行性加重，近2个月右手出现麻木。患者反应稍迟钝、面色微黄、气短乏力、懒言、畏寒、嗜睡、记忆力减退、脉缓、双侧小腿轻度肿胀。骨科检查：双手正中神经分布区皮肤感觉减退，左手大鱼际轻度萎缩，双侧Tinel征阳性，Phalen实验阳性，膝、跟腱反射迟钝。     

在内窥镜视下治疗腕管综合征45例报告

目的：介绍利用内窥镜从腕管内直接切断腕横韧带，解除其对正中神经压迫的手术方法。方法：应用ＵＳＥｓｙｓｔｅｍ（ｕｎｉｖｅｒｓａｌｓｕｂｃｕｔａｎｅｏｕｓｅｎｄｏｓｃｏｐｅｓｙｓｔｅｍ，ＵＳＥ）３０度斜视镜电视录象系统、压力测定器，将外套管插入腕管内，在内视镜下切断腕横韧带。结果：临床应用４６例５２腕，４３例疗效满意，３例无改善。手术时间平均为１０分钟，出血少，能安全地达到腕管完全开放。结论：与常规手术相比，皮肤切口小，组织创伤轻，手术时间短，缩短了住院时间，降低了医疗费用     

The use of diagnostic ultrasound in carpal tunnel syndrome

PURPOSE: Traditional evaluation of suspected carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) involves a thorough history, physical examination, and nerve conduction velocity studies (NCS). Ultrasound is used widely in Europe and has gained acceptance in the United States in the diagnosis of various musculoskeletal disorders. The purpose of this study was to document the ultrasonographic measurement difference in median nerve size between patients with CTS and controls and to correlate these findings with NCS findings, thereby allowing us to test the validity of ultrasound as a diagnostic modality for CTS. METHODS: Forty-four wrists in 26 CTS patients and 86 wrists in 43 asymptomatic volunteers were imaged using a real-time ultrasound scanner with a 12/5 MHz linear-array transducer. The cross-sectional area of the median nerve was measured at the level of the distal wrist crease in both CTS patients and controls. All CTS patients had NCS. The ultrasonographic median nerve area was compared for the 2 groups and correlation analysis between ultrasonographic nerve sizes and NCS findings was performed. RESULTS: The average cross-sectional area of the median nerve at the distal wrist crease was 9 mm(2) in asymptomatic volunteers and 14 mm(2) in CTS patients. For the CTS patients the Pearson correlation coefficient between ultrasound nerve measurement and NCS values was 0.37, suggesting that higher values of ultrasound measurements are associated with abnormal NCS findings. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that high-resolution ultrasound is informative in the evaluation of CTS and shows enlargement of the median nerve at the distal wrist crease in symptomatic patients. Therefore it is a reliable modality for imaging the wrist in patients with CTS. In addition ultrasound is well tolerated and safe. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, Level I.     

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.     

Comparison of postoperative pain after open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release: A randomized controlled study

Background:

Results of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery were compared with many studies done previously. To the best of our knowledge, difference in pain after endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) and open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) has not been objectively documented in literature. The aim of the study was to compare the pain intensity in the early postoperative period in patients undergoing OCTR versus those undergoing ECTR.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized into two groups using “random number generator” software (Research Randomizer, version 3.0); endoscopic surgery group [(21 female, 1 male; mean age 49 years (range 31–64 years)] and open surgery group [(25 female, 3 male; mean age 45.1 years (range 29–68 years)] and received carpal tunnel release. Surgery was performed under regional intravenous anesthesia. The patients’ pain level was assessed at the 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th, and 24^th postoperative hours using a visual analog scale (VAS) score.

Results:

Mean age, gender and duration of symptoms were found similar for both groups. Boston functional scores were improved for both groups (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Pain assessment at the postoperative 1^st, 2^nd, 4^th and 24^th hours revealed significantly low VAS scores in the endoscopic surgery group (P = 0.003, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001). Need for analgesic medication was significantly lower in the endoscopic surgery group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is an effective treatment method in carpal tunnel release vis-a-vis postoperative pain relief.     

跟进式护理在腕管综合征康复中的疗效

目的:探讨跟进式护理在腕管综合征康复过程中的疗效。方法:以我院自2018年1月至2019年12月收治的100例腕管综合征患者为研究对象,按数字随机表分为对照组50例和观察组50例。两组患者均行神经松解术,术后对照组患者行常规护理,观察组患者在常规护理模式的基础上行跟进式护理。比较两组患者术后30 d的生活质量情况,包括...     

Internal neurolysis or ligament division only in carpal tunnel syndrome—Results of a randomized study

Summary In a series of patients with clinically and neurophysiologically well defined carpal tunnel syndrome a randomization has been made into two groups, one for operation with internal neurolysis and a microscopical technique, and the other group for cutting of the carpal ligament (flexor retinaculum) alone. The two groups have been compared postoperatively regarding clinical and neurophysiological parameters. All patients improved, 89% in both groups considered themselves totally free of symptoms at follow-up examinations but there was no significant difference in any parameter between the two groups. As a conclusion the use of internal neurolysis cannot be recommended as a routine procedure in carpal tunnel syndrome.     

Factors influencing prioritization for carpal tunnel syndrome consultation

BACKGROUND:

In a socialized medicine model, prioritization of referrals for specialist consultation is highly important in the distribution of heath care. For high-burden diseases, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the factors that influence prioritization are not well understood.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the factors that influence the prioritization of referrals for CTS consultation by plastic surgeons in Canada.

METHODS:

All members of the Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery with e-mail addresses were invited to participate in an online survey regarding the method by which they prioritize referrals for CTS.

RESULTS:

Forty per cent of invited members completed the survey (150 surgeons). Of these, 118 (79%) stated that they performed CTS surgery. The majority of respondents who performed CTS surgery prioritized their consultation list chronologically (77%). Factors that would alter the chronological order or prioritization included subsequent contact by the referring physician (24%); personal relationship with the patient (16%); and specific information in the referral letter (15%), which usually involved symptom severity or electromyography findings. Sixty-six per cent of plastic surgeons stated that there was no conscious decision on how they came to choose the method of prioritization they used for referrals regarding CTS.

DISCUSSION:

The majority of plastic surgeons in Canada prioritize referrals for consultation on CTS chronologically. A minority of respondents reported reassigning priority based on clinical severity. The rationale for the methods by which Canadian Society of Plastic Surgery members prioritize these referrals is poorly understood. Further study on developing evidence-based prioritization methods may be useful in assisting surgeons and their patients in outcome-based decisions.