To splint or not after carpal tunnel release: A prospective randomized comparative study. | ||||
| The Egyptian Orthopaedic Journal | ||||
| Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available Online from 21 August 2025 | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/eoj.2025.407213.1066 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Authors | ||||
Ibrahim Mohammed Mohsen1; Kamal Samy Abdel Meguid1; Mostafa Ahmed Hashem1; Ahmed Rabie Fekry  2
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| 1orthopedic surgery, faculty of medicine, Fayoum University, Egypt | ||||
| 2orthopedic surgery, faculty of medicine, Fayoum university, Fayoum, Egypt | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| Introduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the predominant form of peripheral nerve neuropathy, which can be managed conservatively in early cases; however, surgery is considered the gold standard if conservative measures failed. Post-operative therapy modalities may differ; some surgeons prefer using a splint while others encourage an early range of motion. Aim of work: This study compared the functional outcomes and assessed the effectiveness, benefits, and drawbacks of two different post-operative protocols following carpal tunnel release: the below-elbow slab and the elastic bandaging. Methods: Forty individuals diagnosed with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome who had failed conservative treatment were enrolled. The participants were categorized into two categories.: Group I (with elastic bandaging post-operatively for 3 weeks) and Group II (with below-elbow slab for 3 weeks). The evaluation was conducted using VAS, Boston score, night pain, scar tenderness and hand grip power. Results: Post-operative follow-up revealed a statistically significant variation in VAS scores (p < 0.05), with lower scores in Group II (with slab). However, no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed in other clinical parameters. Conclusion: Wrist immobilization during the first three weeks post-operatively with a below-elbow volar splint reduced post-operative pain but does not improve functional outcomes compared to the immediate post-operative range of motion in the elastic bandaging after open carpal tunnel release surgery. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| CTS; pain; hand strength; upper extremity; functionality | ||||
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