Comparative Study between Volar and Dorsal Moulded Wrist Handsplinting on Grip Pinch Strength and Pain in Subject with Mild to Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Prospective Study

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome describes an upper extremity neuropathy of the median nerve, often attributable to increased pressure in the carpal tunnel resulting in compression of the median nerve. The prevalence rate of the CTS to be present in 3.8% of the general population. Material & Methodology: 30 subjects with carpal tunnel syndrome were included in this study by Convenience sample method. The subjects were divided into two groups; Group A Volar wrist hand splint and Group B Dorsal hand splint. EMG was measured by Electronic hand disability evaluation machine and force was measured by hand held dynamometer and pinchometer. First baseline data was collected and during delivery of orthosis immediate data was collected to check immediate effect, and after 6 weeks post data was collected. Results: There was statistically no-significant between the groups at baseline for all outcome parameters, APB & FL muscle, grip force, pinch force, P value was >0.05. There was statistically significant difference in the dorsal wrist hand splint groups for APB & FL muscle, grip force, pinch force which shows p<0.05, while compared with volar wrist hand splint. Conclusion: Volar wrist hand splint and Dorsal wrist hand splint significantly effective in terms of improving the muscle strength of APB &FL, pinch strength and grip strength. Group B, dorsal wrist hand splint was more superior in all outcome parameter except APB muscle during pinch & Grip.