Carpal tunnel syndrome treated with a diode laser: a controlled treatment of the transverse carpal ligament.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this placebo-controlled study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of the 830-nm diode laser on carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).


BACKGROUND
Many articles in the literature have demonstrated that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) may help to alleviate various types of nerve pain, especially for CTS treatment. We placed an 830-nm laser directly above the transverse carpal ligament, which is between the pisiform and navicular bones of the tested patients, to determine the therapeutic effect of LLLT.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients with mild to moderate degree of CTS were randomly divided into two groups. The laser group received laser treatment (10 Hz, 50% duty cycle, 60 mW, 9.7 J/cm(2), at 830 nm), and the placebo group received sham laser treatment. Both groups received treatment for 2 wk consisting of a 10-min laser irradiation session each day, 5 d a week. The therapeutic effects were assessed on symptoms and functional changes, and with nerve conduction studies (NCS), grip strength assessment, and with a visual analogue scale (VAS), soon after treatment and at 2-wk follow-up.


RESULTS
Before treatment, there were no significant differences between the two groups for all assessments (p > 0.05). The VAS scores were significantly lower in the laser group than the placebo group after treatment and at follow-up (p < 0.05). After 2 wk of treatment, no significant differences were found in grip strengths or for symptoms and functional assessments (p > 0.05). However, there were statistically significant differences in these variables at 2-wk follow-up (p < 0.05). Regarding the findings of NCS, there was no statistically significant difference between groups after treatment and at 2-wk follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
LLLT was effective in alleviating pain and symptoms, and in improving functional ability and finger and hand strength for mild and moderate CTS patients with no side effects.
Chang
Wen-Dien
WD
Department of Bio-Industrial Mechatronics Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Wu
Jih-Huah
JH
Jiang
Joe-Air
JA
Yeh
Chun-Yu
CY
Tsai
Chien-Tsung
CT
D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D054023:Lasers, Semiconductor / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000528:radiation effects*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy; D008475:Median Nerve / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction; D010147:Pain Measurement