Aim:

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, developed by entrapment of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Despite widespread use, the effectiveness of physical therapy agents in the treatment of CTS is still not clear. In this study, our clinical experience of evaluating the efficacy of ultrasound (US) therapy in patients with CTS has been shared.

Materials and Methods:

A diagnosis of CTS patients who received treatment in our physical therapy unit were analyzed retrospectively. Demographic data, clinical and physical examination findings were recorded. Before and after treatment, patients’ clinical scales, as visual analog scale, the Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire, Beck depression and anxiety scales were evaluated.

Results:

24 patients (20 women and 4 men), 43 hands included in the study. The mean age of patients was 51.95 ± 10.10 years. The most common symptoms in patients were; numbness (41 hands, 95.34%), pain (36 hands, 83.72%), flick mark (27 hands, 62.79%), respectively. In the examination findings; 36 Tinel sign (83.72%), 33 positive Phalen test (76.74%), 4 evidence of thenar atrophy (0.09%) were detected. 22 hand were obtained as mild stage of CTS, 18 hand were obtained as moderate stage of CTS, 3 hand were obtained as advanced stage of CTS. In all clinical measurements significant improvement were determined.

Conclusion:

As a result, US is easy to apply, non-invasive, effective method of treatment of CTS. In order to determine the activity and duration of action more clearly, more clinical trials with larger series are needed.

Keywords: Carpal tunnel syndrome, physical therapy, ultrasound, Boston carpal tunnel syndrome questionnaire