Observational multicentric survey on carpal tunnel syndrome: demographic and clinical data from 34 Italian centers

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current management of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) at a national level.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: A multicentric observational study was conducted in 34 Italian centers by specialists participating in the Management of Peripheral Neuropathies Study Group on 377 patients (age, mean±SD 56±14.4 years, 73.2% females) with CTS. The characteristics of the disease and its management were recorded at baseline and during a 2-month follow-up using a standardized clinical record and assessed with validated clinical tests.

RESULTS: A wide variability in the interventions prescribed and classified according to three categories (physical, pharmacological and neurotrophic therapies) was evident. A subgroup of 303 patients was treated with a combination of neurotrophic agents containing alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). At the end of the follow-up, a general improvement in symptoms and functional impairment was observed, with a significant reduction in BCTQ (Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) (p<0.001) and in NRS (Pain Numeric Rating Scale, p<0.001 for both nocturnal and diurnal pain).

CONCLUSIONS: An appropriate approach to CTS implies a multimodal and multidisciplinary management, involving several specialists and using a variety of conservative interventions. Conservative (physical and pharmacological) interventions can provide a clinical improvement in patients with CTS.

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