Role and Impact of Prophylactic Interventions in the Conservative Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) refers to the compression or tension over the median nerve at the level of the wrist and represents the most commonly encountered compression mononeuropathy. It is diagnosed significantly more often in individuals, whose work involves similar, repetitive movements. The condition affects approximately 4–6% of the active population. Its social aspect stems from the significant deterioration of patients' professional and private life, which, in a high percentage of cases, leads to a change in profession. Multiple surgical and conservative treatment approaches have been described. The literature proposes a general recommendation for compliance with prophylactic interventions and a specific mobilization regimen but a consensus on the subject has not yet been achieved. In our study, we followed 45 patients diagnosed with CTS who reported pain and altered sensation, over a period of 6 months. The patients were divided into three groups which were randomly assigned to different treatment modalities. All patients received the same prophylactic interventions with regard to the physical load and exercises, which were to be followed individually over the course of the study. At the end of the study, the obtained data were analyzed statistically and we reported a correlation between patient improvement and the frequency of the exercises.