EFFICACY OF LONG-TERM SPLINTING IN THE TREATMENT OF SEVERE CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

Abstract

Background: Although surgery is an effective treatment for severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), it is accompanied by many complications; furthermore, there are several patients with severe CTS who reject surgical management. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy of long-term splinting in severe CTS. Methods and Materials: CTS Assessment Questionnaire (Bostone) was filled for 140 patients with severe CTS, who did not agree to go under surgery. Patients were divided into two groups randomly. One group received medical and physical therapy and short-term (six weeks) wrist splint. The other group received the same treatments but long-term (six months) splinting. Both groups went under the evaluation of symptoms and function with Bostone questionnaire and electrophysiological study six weeks, and six months later. Results: There was no significant difference between two groups in any of the measured or registered parameters at the beginning of the study and six weeks later except for compound motor action potential amplitude. But, both the Boston questionnaire scores (symptom severity and functional capacity) and nerve conduction study results were significantly different between the two groups at six months. Conclusion: Regarding the potential efficacy of long-term night-time splinting for symptom and functional improvement of severe CTS, we recommend its use in severe CTS patients who reject surgery.