The effects of orthotic intervention on nerve conduction and functional outcome in carpal tunnel syndrome: A prospective follow-up study.

Aim: To evaluate the effects of using night orthosis for 6 weeks in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), including a follow up after 3 months using electrophysiological and functional outcome measurements.

Study Design: 12 week follow-up prospective study.

Methods: Twenty-two patients with a total of 36 hands diagnosed as CTS were included. Subjects were informed about using a night orthosis for 6 weeks and were evaluated at the baseline, 6th and 12th week.

Results: Median motor distal latency was significantly decreased and median motor compound muscle action potential was significantly increased at the 6th week. Median sensory velocity was significantly increased at the 12th week. No significant difference was found in terms of functional outcome measurements.

Conclusion: Electrophysiological follow-up findings support the positive effects of using a wrist orthosis on median nerve conduction for CTS patients.