Researchers in a study at the seminar of American Society of Plastic Surgeons 2009, Seattle, presented a paper, which links obesity to the carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgeons investigated that patients with CTS worked out of it once they were able to lose weight of 50 lbs or more. In their case study, they cited examples of about 43 weight loss patients to support this view. Furthermore, they suggested with this possible association, suggesting reduction in weight to patients suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome could help treating the syndrome in a more significant manner.

Via: ScienceDaily.com

According to experts, working on resolving CTS at Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, have found in a recent study that frequent and prolonged gripping of steering wheel, mobile phone or bus/train handles can lead to CTS. The team led by occupational therapist Jennifer Valle noted that a prolonged stiff position while long hours of communicating can lead to a condition where swollen tendons put pressure on the median nerve causing pain and numbness. Valle advises swapping the hand, that is in odd position for long hours, every now and then. While driving, she advised, to alter between the left and the right hand while keeping the wrist of the hand in use, aligned to the elbow. Moreover, she also cited examples where patients with carpal tunnel symptoms were able to reverse the symptoms by making simple changes in their activities.

Via:Newswise.com

Among all other diagnostic and treatment options available for managing carpal tunnel syndrome, surgery has been analyzed to be more effective in relieving the symptoms of the painful condition than splinting. A group of Chilean researchers led by Renato Verdugo, University of Chile, Santiago, has published a study report that points out a case study of 317 CTS patients. They found that patients who underwent surgery rarely had to return for a second surgery, while those who first tried medication or splinting often turned to surgery later. The study included detailed report on the post-surgery side effects, painful scars, infection, stiffness, and discomfort in the wrist as against that of splinting. The study concluded that although symptoms in both groups improved, but surgical treatment led to better outcome than did non-surgical treatment.

Via:Cfah.org

Neuroscientists researching on damaged motor nerves have expressed hope for patients suffering form carpal tunnel syndrome and said that the recuperation of strength could be gained with time and patience. Researchers working under the guidance of Clifford Woolf, director, Neurobiology Center at Children’s Hospital Boston, published a report that says that “time is of the essence in repairing nerve damage.” The report explains that nerve fibers are capable of regenerating and extending toward the muscle to reform the junction known as the synapse but is guarded within a limited time window. The study conducted on mice showed that the shorter the period between developing the symptoms and getting the surgery done, the greater was the degree of motor recovery. Furthermore, the study highlights the fact that achieving nerve regeneration was not the only point. There are two more hurdles to work against. One being to speed up axon growth and to second is to enhance motor recovery by blocking signals that prevent axons from forming synapses with the muscle.

Via:Eurekalert.org

In a recent report published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, orthopedic surgeon Hyun Sik Gong has noted that a majority of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome preferred to share surgical decision making with the surgeon. He added that those who preferred a collaborative role had less severe symptoms than those who preferred a fully active or a fully passive role. The case study involves a preference report of 78 patients who underwent carpal tunnel surgery. They were requested to indicate their preferred level of involvement preoperatively and to assess their actual levels of involvement postoperatively, using a Control Preferences Scale. The conclusion revealed that 76% indicated preoperatively that they preferred shared decision-making, and 85% thought postoperatively that they had experienced this type of decision-making. This information may assist the establishment of patient-centered consultation in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The reason for enhanced need of involvement in CTS could possibly be due to the difference in the treatment for other orthopedic conditions such as fractures or bone tumors, where the decision is more limited and straightforward or dependent on the physician’s options.

Via: Nih.gov