Splinting or surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome? Design of a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN18853827]

A A Gerritsen, R J Scholten, W J Assendelft, H Kuiper, H C de Vet, L M Bouter

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common disorder, which can be treated with surgery or conservative options. However, there is insufficient evidence and no consensus among physicians with regard to the preferred treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, a randomized controlled trial is conducted to compare the short- and long-term efficacy of surgery and splinting in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. An attempt is also made to avoid the (methodological) limitations encountered in earlier trials on the efficacy of various treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome.

METHODS: Patients of 18 years and older, with clinically and electrophysiologically confirmed idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome, are recruited by neurologists in 13 hospitals. Patients included in the study are randomly allocated to either open carpal tunnel release or wrist splinting during the night for at least 6 weeks. The primary outcomes are general improvement, waking up at night and severity of symptoms (main complaint, night and daytime pain, paraesthesia and hypoesthesia). Outcomes are assessed up to 18 months after randomization.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)8
JournalBMC Neurology
Volume1
Publication statusPublished - 18 Dec 2001
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Clinical Protocols
  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Humans
  • Outcome Assessment (Health Care)
  • Research Design
  • Sample Size
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Splints
  • Clinical Trial
  • Journal Article
  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Splinting or surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome? Design of a randomized controlled trial [ISRCTN18853827]'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this