No advantage from splinting the wrist after open carpal tunnel release. A randomized study of 82 wrists.
To study the value of postoperative splinting after open carpal tunnel surgery, we randomly selected 82 wrists for 4 weeks of postoperative immobilization or no immobilization. The distributions of scar discomfort or pain and "pillar pain" were equal in the two groups both at 6 weeks and 6 months. Median sick leave was 6 weeks in both groups. Median VAS values for persistent discomfort and pain at 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 6 months were similar in the two groups. Grip strength was reduced compared to preoperative values by about 20% and keypinch strength by about 10% in both groups at 6 weeks and had returned to normal by 6 months. Pinch between the thumb and the tips of fingers 4 and 5 was considerably reduced postoperatively, but similar in both groups. We conclude that 4 weeks of postoperative immobilization confers no detectable benefit.
Finsen
V
V
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Trondheim University Hospital, Norway. Vilh.Finsen@medisin.ntnu.no
Andersen
K
K
Russwurm
H
H
D000041:Absenteeism; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000534:rehabilitation* / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D007103:Immobilization / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013165:Splints; D013997:Time Factors