Carpal lock and the volar-supporting orthosis in mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
The carpal lock, which is a hand/wrist orthosis that supports the dorsal aspect of the hand, was used in patients with mild-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome, and its clinical and electrophysiological effectiveness was compared with that of a volar-supporting orthosis.


METHODS
Nerve conduction study and clinical evaluation of 24 patients (41 hands) with mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome were performed before and 3 mos after the use of the carpal lock or the volar-supporting orthosis.


RESULTS
Significant improvement was observed in electrophysiological parameters and clinical outcomes after use of both orthoses. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Patients in the carpal lock group used the orthosis 89.6% of the prescribed time, whereas those in the volar-supporting orthosis group used the orthosis 79.2% of the prescribed time (P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The carpal lock may be used as an alternative to the volar-supporting orthosis.
Zinnuroglu
Murat
M
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey.
Baspinar
Mustafa
M
Beyazova
Mehmet
M
D000328:Adult; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D004576:Electromyography; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009431:Neural Conduction; D010147:Pain Measurement; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013165:Splints