AAOS Issues New Carpal Tunnel Treatment Guidelines

“Carpal tunnel syndrome, otherwise known as CTS, is among the most common disorders of the upper extremity. It affects up to 10 percent of the population and is related to many factors, but is thought to be caused by increased pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel in the wrist,” said Michael Keith, M.D., chair of the AAOS work group responsible for creating the new guideline.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, in 2005, an estimated 3.1 million people sought help from physicians for the treatment of CTS.

“The Academy created this clinical practice guideline to improve patient care for those suffering from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome,” said Keith. “The document serves as a point of reference and educational tool for both family practitioners and orthopaedic surgeons, streamlining possible treatment processes for this ever-so common ailment.”

In June 2007, the Journal of the Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (JAAOS) reported about 500,000 CTS surgical procedures are performed each year. The same study also reported the economic impact due to CTS is estimated to exceed $2 billion annually.

The final CTS treatment guideline contains nine recommendations that include both operative and non-operative treatment options, as well as alternative techniques. Some of the recommendations include:

• Traditional bracing or splinting

• Local steroid injection 

• Oral steroids
• Ultrasound

• Carpal tunnel release surgery

After doing a thorough analysis of the current literature, the work group found no evidence that supports the following treatments:

• Heat therapy

• Acupuncture

• Diuretics

• Electric stimulation

• Massage therapy

• Magnet therapy

• Nutritional supplements.

“This guideline is not intended to stand alone,” added. Keith. “It can be used as a starting point for physicians and can open up the lines of patient-physician communication on possible treatment options.”

As new research, knowledge and literature on CTS becomes available, this guideline will be reviewed and re-evaluated by the Guidelines and Technology Oversight Committee. It will be considered for updating in 3 to 5 years, which is consistent with evidence-based standards.

The guideline was developed by an AAOS physician volunteer work group and was based upon a systematic review of the current scientific and clinical information on accepted approaches to treatment and/or diagnosis. The entire process lasted about 18 months and included a review panel consisting of internal and external committees, public commentaries and final approval by the AAOS Board of Directors.

The full guideline along with all supporting documentation is available at http://www.aaos.org/guidelines.