Carpal tunnel syndrome. Part II: effectiveness of surgical treatments–a systematic review
The objective of this study was to present an evidence-based overview of the effectiveness of surgical and postsurgical interventions to treat carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A best-evidence synthesis was performed to summarize the results of the included studies. Two reviews and 25 RCTs were included. Moderate evidence was found in favor of surgical treatment compared with splinting or anti-inflammatory drugs plus hand therapy in the midterm and long term… Continue readingCarpal tunnel syndrome. Part I: effectiveness of nonsurgical treatments – a systematic review
The objective of this study was to review literature systematically concerning effectiveness of nonsurgical interventions for treating carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). A best-evidence synthesis was performed to summarize the results of the included studies. Two reviews and 20 RCTs were included. Strong and moderate evidence was found for the effectiveness of oral steroids, steroid injections, ultrasound, electromagnetic field therapy, nocturnal splinting, and the use of ergonomic keyboards compared with… Continue readingIntra- and Inter-Examiner Variability in Performing Tinel’s Test
The goal of this study was to evaluate intra- and inter-examiner variability in the force generated using different techniques to elicit Tinel's sign. Nine clinicians, consisting of 3 experienced hand and peripheral nerve surgeons, 3 junior hand and peripheral nerve surgeons, and 3 surgeons in training were included in the study. Three different Tinel-type maneuvers were evaluated: (1) striking the load cell using the dominant middle finger only (“single-finger strike”)… Continue readingA Randomized Sham-Controlled Trial of a Neurodynamic Technique in the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The objective of this study was to assess the believability of a novel sham intervention for a neurodynamic technique (NDT) in participants with signs and symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Additionally, we wished to assess a potential mechanism of NDT (hypoalgesia) and to compare outcomes related to clinical pain and upper extremity disability between NDT and a sham intervention. 40 participants with signs and symptoms consistent with CTS provided… Continue readingThe Cost-Effectiveness of Nonsurgical Versus Surgical Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Jay Pomerance, David Zurakowski and Ilene FineThe purpose of this study was to compare direct costs and results for patients with electrodiagnostically proven carpal tunnel syndrome treated with surgery versus nonsurgical care. There was a retrospective study of 120 patients divided into 2 groups: subjects in group 1 had chosen nonsurgical treatment, whereas subjects in group 2 had chosen surgery with no nonsurgical treatment. Patients were matched on age, gender… Continue reading
Physiotherapy After Volar Plating of Wrist Fractures Is Effective Using a Home Exercise Program
Gert D. Krischak, Anna Krasteva, Florian Schneiderb, Daniel Gulkina, Florian Gebhard, Michael Kramer,
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 2 different postoperative therapy approaches after operative stabilization of the wrist fractures: treatment by a physical therapist with 12 sessions and an unassisted home exercise program. After a 6-week period of postoperative treatment, the patients (n=23) performing an independent home exercise program using a training diary… Continue reading
Physiotherapy after volar plating of wrist fractures is effective using a home exercise program.
Krischak GD, Krasteva A, Schneider F, Gulkin D, Gebhard F, Kramer M
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 2 different postoperative therapy approaches after operative stabilization of the wrist fractures. Participants with fractures of the distal radius after internal fixation with locking plates underwent treatment by a physical therapist with 12 sessions and an unassisted home exercise program and compared with a control group. After a… Continue reading
Assessing the accuracy of a combination of clinical tests for identifying carpal tunnel syndrome.
Boland RA, Kiernan MC
The aim of the study was to investigate whether a combination of selected provocative manoeuvres and sensory testing could improve the accuracy of clinical diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Prospective studies were undertaken in 43 of 296 consecutive patients who were referred with suspected CTS and had undergone nerve conduction studies (NCS). Responses to Phalen's test, a modified carpal compression test (MCCT), and sensory testing over… Continue reading
Wrist Injuries in Nonprofessional Tennis Players: Relationships With Different Grips
This study investigated the use of different grips (Eastern, Western, semi-Western) in determining the pattern of wrist injuries in nonprofessional tennis players. A total of 320 players reported no injuries in their activity; 50 (13%) reported injuries to the wrist. Medical records of these players were reviewed, and 30 extensor carpi ulnaris lesions… Continue reading
Evaluation of the effect of local corticosteroid injection and anti-inflammatory medication in carpal tunnel syndrome.
Gurcay E, Unlu E, Gurcay AG, Tuncay R, Cakci AThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of local corticosteroid injection versus non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), 32 patients were included in this randomised clinical trial which assessed functional findings by Functional Status Scale (FSS), (JTT) Jebsen Taylor Test and electrophysiologic examinations, analysed on initial visit and at the third month… Continue reading
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