Post-Operative Splinting After Short-Incision Carpal Tunnel Release: a Prospective Study

Your participation in this study will last for five office visits of approximately 30 minutes
each. If you decide to participate in this study, we would first have you come to clinic
where you would undergo some standard measurements. This includes measuring grip and key
pinch strength and completing a patient questionnaire. During your visits we will scan the
cross-sectional area of the median nerve at the pisiform bone level to determine the level of
CTS with the Ultrasound Biomiscroscopy machine (Vevo 2100). This is a new technique with a
machine similar to a regular ultrasound machine. The primary difference is that the frequency
of soundwaves is higher than a standard ultrasound machine. There are no known significant
risks associated with the use of this machine. At this time the machine is experimental, and
is not currently approved by the FDA for clinical use. However, this device is not considered
to pose significant risk. Candidates for this study must have been diagnosed with single
carpal tunnel syndrome and are going to receive nerve decompression with short incision, over
the age of 18, and able to give informed consent to participate in a research study.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Patients who were diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and are going to receive nerve
decompression with short incision

- The Criteria of CTS

- Numbness, tingling, pain and night symptoms in median nerve distribution

- Positive Tinel signs over the median nerve at the Carpal Tunnel

- Negative Tinel signs at the Supraclavicular and Infraclavicular areas

- Positive Carpal Tunnel Tests

- Electrophysiological changes (confirmed with NCT)

- Over the age of 18

- Ability to give informed consent to participate in a research study

Exclusion Criteria:

- Patients with peripheral neuropathy of the median nerve secondary to trauma, external
compressions (tumours, bone malunion) or other non-compressive causes.

- Patients with the presence of Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (Tinel must be negative at the
Supraclavicular and Infraclavicular areas)

- Patients with the presence of Cervical Disc disease

- Patients with another site of compression (such as pronator teres compression)

- Patients who have had previous carpal tunnel release on the same hand

- Patients under the age of 18