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AN
INNOVATIVE HAND SPLINT FOR TREATMENT OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME (CTS):
PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A CONTROLLED STUDY
G.Manente, F. Torrieri,
F. Di Blasio, A. Uncini 1
"S.Stefano"
Institute of Rehabilitation, Porto Picena and Center for Neuromuscular
Diseases, University "G.D'Annunzio", Chieti, Italy
1
Clinica Neurologica, Policlinico Clinicizzato "S.S. Annunziata".
Via dei Vestini 66100, Chieti, italy
Objective
We noticed that squeezing the distal heads of metacarpal bones (excluding
the first) and stretching the III and IV finger relieved parethesias
and pain in CTS. This manoeuvre was the rationale to design an innovative
splint we called MANU (patented) and perform a controlled trial to assess
efficacy and tollerability.
Materials
and Methods
The MANU is made of: 1) inelastic belt with a velcro adjustable closure
positioned at the level of distal heads of metacarpal bones, 2) a rectangular
shaped pad, made of soft material, positioned dorsally to the II and
V finger producing a mild stretching of III and IV finger, 3) an elastic
wrist band with a velcro adjustable closure, 4) an adjustable string,
to connect component 1 and 3. Thirty patients with CTS symptoms and
abnormal electrophysiological tests were instructed to wear MANU during
the night for 1 month. Efficacy was assessed by the Levine scale and
percentages of worsening or improvement. Twenty CTS patients served
as control.
Results
In the MANU group of Levine score was at the entry 2.5 ± 0.6
and 1.4 ± 0.4 at the end of the study (p=0.000). All patients
improved: meand 72% (range 25-100%). MANU was very well tolerated by
all patients. In controls Levine score was at entry 2.5 ± 0.5
and 2.4 ± 0.6 at the end (p=0.6). Two patients worsened (15 and
40%), 5 improved (42%); 2 spontaneously, 3 changing or reducing manual
work.
Conclusion
This short term study shows that MANU is highly efficient in
ameliorating bouts of positive symptoms in CTS and well tolerated.
The Italian
Journal of Neurological Sciences Supplement to number 4, volume 20,
1999. XXXI National Congress of the Italian Neurological Society
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