A Study of the Thread Carpal Tunnel Release with Newly Developed Thread : Preliminary Study

Research Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of thread carpal tunnel release (TCTR) with newly developed thread (Ultra V sswire™, 0.45mm in diameter, Korea) in clinical settings.

Design: Observational cohort study (During 42-month period)

Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation clinic and University medical center

Participants: Patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (N=12)

Interventions: Thread carpal tunnel release was standardized by keeping the entry point at the middle of the palm, exit point at just the medial to the palmaris longus tendon. Modified thread carpal tunnel release, an ultrasound-guided minimally invasive technique which accomplishes transection of transverse carpal ligament using needle and thread, was performed to each patient.

Main Outcome Measures: The Numeral Rating Scale and Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire were used to assess the monthly outcomes after the procedure, for 3 months.

Results: The average age of patients was 53.6±13.3 (31 to 73 years). There were 9 females and 3 males. The diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was based on standard clinical criteria including electromyography, resulting 8 wrists as severe degree, 6 wrists as moderate degree by the AANEM classification. Fourteen wrists were analyzed. Thread carpal tunnel release procedure with our newly developed thread had significantly improved all variables, showing its effectiveness in both pain and patient’s functional ability. Numeral Rating Scale and Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire severity and the functional scale showed a significant decrease at the initial stage and progressive improvement during each monthly follow-up of our study until last 3 months' period.

Conclusions: Thread carpal tunnel release applying our newly developed thread is effective in pain relief and increasing functional activity, lasting for more than 3 months. Future studies with more samples are needed to further support the results.

Author(s) Disclosures: N/A