International Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Open Access

Longitudinal outcomes following a randomized controlled trial of dynamic splint stretching for carpal tunnel syndrome

3^rd International Conference and Exhibition on Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

May 18-20, 2015 San Antonio, USA

F Buck Willis and Brook Fowler

Posters-Accepted Abstracts: Int J Phys Med Rehabil

Abstract :

Objective: The purpose of this longitudinal outcome study was to determine if dynamic splint stretching (immediately after diagnosis) had effects on patients�?? choices for surgical treatment ofcarpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Design: A randomized, controlled trial�??s longitudinal follow up. Setting: A single surgicalhand center in Maryland, USA. Participants: Fifty patients (10 Men, 40 Women, Mean Age 51.2 ± 12 years) were recruited for this study upon diagnosis of CTS. Intervention: Dynamic splint stretching was randomly applied to experimental subjects who wore the device for two 30-minute sessions each day with sequential, bimonthly increases in splint tension for 60 days. Main Measures: Choice of surgery over 12 months. Results: The final, longitudinal outcome showed a 72% reduction in surgery chosen by the experimental patients (N=25), compared to 38% reduction for control patients (N=25). Conclusion: Immediate treatment with dynamic splint stretching reduced CTS symptoms and reducesthe patients�?? choice for surgery, with abundant financial savings.