A preliminary study of radioulnar wrist compression in improving patient-reported outcomes of carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

Abstract Previous studies have shown radioulnar wrist compression augments carpal arch space. This study investigated the effects of radioulnar wrist compression on patient-reported outcomes associated with carpal tunnel syndrome. Subjects underwent thrice-daily (15 min each time 45 min daily) wrist compression over 4 weeks with an additional four weeks of follow-up without treatment. Primary outcomes included Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire symptom and functional severity scales (SSS and FSS) and symptoms of numbness/tingling based on Visual Analog Scales. Our results showed that radioulnar wrist compression improved SSS by 0.55 points after 2 weeks (p 0.05). Radioulnar wrist compression might be an effective alternative treatment in improving sensory related symptoms in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.

Keywords

• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Wrist compression
• Noninvasive treatment
• Clinical symptom