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Splinting After Mini-Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Interventions
Other: Non-removable Splint
Other: No Splint
Other: Removable Splint
Registration Number
NCT02885701
Lead Sponsor
Anthony L. Logli
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine if any difference exists among 3 different postoperative splinting regimens- no splint, removable splint, and plaster non-removable splint- following mini-open carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery.

Detailed Description

We sought to determine if any significant difference in patient-reported or clinical outcomes existed among 3 different postoperative splinting regimens- no splint, removable splint, and plaster non-removable splint- following mini-open carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery for symptomatic, isolated, nerve conduction study positive carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

A total of 249 patients received a mini-open CTR and were subsequently randomized into 1 of the 3 splinting regimens to be removed at the first postoperative visit 10-14 days later. Patient-reported outcomes included QuickDASH surveys, Levine-Katz Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and Functional Status Scale (FSS) and Pain at Rest and in Action using a Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Clinical outcomes included wrist range of motion (ROM), grip and lateral pinch strengths. All outcomes were evaluated bilaterally at 10-14 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery. Demographic information was obtained preoperatively and complications were observed for and recorded throughout the study

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
249
Inclusion Criteria
  • Patients were required to have failed conservative treatment for symptomatic, isolated, nerve conduction study positive CTS.
Exclusion Criteria
  • Exclusion criteria omitted patients who presented with acute onset CTS, concomitant peripheral neuropathy, metabolic disease, postoperative recurring CTS, or who required another operative procedure during carpal tunnel release.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Non-removable SplintNon-removable Splint-
No splintNo Splint-
Removable SplintRemovable Splint-
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Levine-Katz Symptom Severity Scale (SSS)10-14 days postoperatively

The Levine-Katz Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) assesses pain, weakness, and sensation with 11 questions the patient rates on a 5-point scale with 5 indicating the most difficult; the average score is reported.

QuickDASH10-14 days postoperatively

The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Outcome Measure was designed in 1998 with the goal of providing a more accurate depiction of the everyday symptoms and handicaps exclusively experienced by a patient with an upper extremity musculoskeletal condition. Designed as a patient-completed questionnaire, the DASH Outcome Measure can be administered multiple times throughout patient care to measure changes in function and symptoms over time

Lateral Pinch Strength10-14 days postoperatively

Lateral pinch strength was taken with a Preston Pinch Gauge.

Grip Strength10-14 days postoperatively

Grip strength was taken with a Jamar Dynamometer in the 2nd hand position.

Numerical Pain Rating Scale10-14 days postoperatively

Patients are asked to describe their level of pain intensity over the last 24 hours. The pain scale anchor points 0 and 10 correspond to no pain and worst imaginable pain, respectively. The NPRS can be used multiple times throughout patient care, but has the greatest value in describing post-operative pain-related morbidity.

Wrist Flexion10-14 days postoperatively
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Complications10-14 days postoperatively

Complications were observed for and recorded throughout the study.

Demographic InformationPreoperatively

Sex, age, BMI, Smoking Status, Hand Dominance, Workers' Compensation Status

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