Long-cane modification for carpal tunnel syndrome: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Low vision rehabilitation services should be multidisciplinary and should provide patients with as many options as are necessary to help partially sighted individuals maintain independence and quality of life.


METHODS
A case report is presented of a 30-year-old insulin-dependent diabetic patient with carpal tunnel syndrome. Team management resulted in referral for occupational therapy evaluation and resulted in long cane modification.


RESULTS
Modification of a long cane was accomplished using a piece of PVC plastic glued at a right angle to the long cane, thus acting as a handle. Fabric straps with Velcro fasteners made the cane movable with forearm rather than wrist motion and allowed the patient to maintain independent travel.


CONCLUSIONS
This case presents an example of appropriate referral for an occupational therapy evaluation. Low vision rehabilitation demands an interdisciplinary approach.
State University of New York, State College of Optometry, NY 10010, USA.
K
K
Aquilante
T
T
Kern
A
A
Courtney
D000328:Adult; D002183:Canes; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D003922:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009788:Occupational Therapy; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011788:Quality of Life; D015354:Vision, Low / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*