Article

Based on the literature, patients with carpal tunnel syndrome are
suggested to wear a custom-made wrist orthosis immobilizing the wrist in a
neutral position. Many prefabricated orthoses are available on the market, but
the majority of those do not assure neutral wrist position. OBJECTIVES: We
hypothesized that the use of orthosis affects grip strength in persons with
carpal tunnel syndrome in a way that supports preference for custom-made orthoses
with neutral wrist position over prefabricated orthoses. STUDY DESIGN:
Experimental. METHODS: Comparisons of grip strength for three types of grips
(cylindrical, lateral, and pinch) were made across orthosis types (custom-made,
prefabricated with wrist in 20 degrees of flexion, and none) on the affected side
immediately after fitting, as well as between affected side without orthosis and
nonaffected side. RESULTS: Orthosis type did not significantly affect grip
strength (p = 0.661). Cylindrical grip was by far the strongest, followed by
lateral and pinch grips (p < 0.050). The grips of the affected side were weaker
than those of the nonaffected side (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: In persons with
carpal tunnel syndrome, neither prefabricated orthoses with 20 degrees wrist
extension nor custom-made wrist orthoses with neutral wrist position influenced
grip strength of the affected hand. Compared to the nonaffected side, the grips
of the affected side were weaker. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The findings from this
study can be used to guide application of orthoses to patients with carpal tunnel
syndrome.
CI - (c) The International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics 2013.

Langue : ANGLAIS