Evaluating the results of supportive therapy of short wrist splint in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome worldwide1. There is the availability of several therapies ranging from non-surgical to surgical management1. Short wrist splint is one of the most typically employed therapeutic procedures. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacies of supportive therapy of short wrist splint in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome under NSAIDs treatment and determine the factors interfering with the treatment results. Methods: Controlled clinical trials were followed up to 2 months in 63 patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, divided into two groups: 32 patients received NSAIDs for 2 weeks and a standard wrist splint in a neutral position to be worn at night, if possible, during the day, 31 patients were treated solely with NSAIDs for 2 weeks. Results: After 2 months of treatment, there were an improvement in VAS, Boston scores, Distal median motor latencies (DMLm), and median sensory conduction velocities (SCVm) in the research group: The average VAS was decreased from 2.0 to 0.4 points, Boston symptom scores were declined from 16.7 to 12.7 points, Boston functional scores were declined from 11.4 to 8.7 points, median sensory conduction velocities (SCVm) were improved considerably from 41.7 to 45.8 m/s, the cross-sectional area of the median nerve ( CSA) was fell from 11.7 to 9.8 mm2, higher than the placebo group (p<0,05). The factors interfering with the treatment results: Age and BMI negatively correlated with the change in VAS scores, Boston symptoms, and function scores. The degree of initial nerve conduction study and ultrasound were directly related to treatment outcome.