title: Sensory relearning after surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome: a pilot clinical trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome does not always alleviate sensory deficits, especially in patients with severe disease. No proven treatment is currently available for these patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a pilot randomized, controlled trial to evaluate the feasibility, patient acceptability, and efficacy of a sensory relearning (SR) program in patients who have ongoing sensory deficits after carpal tunnel decompression. Patients were randomized to receive either: (i) a 4-week sensory relearning home program; or (ii) no further treatment. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 4 and 8 weeks after randomization.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-one patients were randomized. Efficacy analysis adjusted for baseline score and age showed a potentially clinically worthwhile benefit of SR.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data on screening, eligibility, and patient acceptability of the intervention confirm the feasibility of undertaking a definitive randomized, controlled trial.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Allied Health Professions, University of East Anglia, Norwich NR4 7TJ, UK. c.jerosch-herold@uea.ac.uk
authors.forename: Christina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jerosch-Herold
authors.forename: Lee
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shepstone
authors.forename: Leanne
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009493:Neurosurgery / Q000379:methods; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D057566:Self Report; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D006113:United Kingdom