Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is defined by compression of the median nerve in the wrist. It is the commonest of the compressive syndromes and its most frequent cause is idiopathic. Even though spontaneous regression is possible, the general rule is that the symptoms will worsen. The diagnosis is primarily clinical, from the symptoms and provocative tests. Electroneuromyographic examination may be recommended before the operation or in cases of occupational illnesses.
The treatments for non-deficit forms of carpal tunnel
syndrome (CTS) are corticoid infiltration and/or a nighttime immobilization
brace. Surgical treatment, which includes sectioning the retinaculum of the
flexors (retinaculotomy), is indicated in cases of resistance to conservative
treatment in deficit forms or, more frequently, in acute forms. In minimally
invasive techniques (endoscopy and mini-open), and even though the learning
curve is longer, it seems that functional recovery occurs earlier than in the
classical surgery, but with identical long-term results. The choice depends on
the surgeon, patient, severity, etiology and availability of material. The
results are satisfactory in close to 90% of the cases. Recovery of strength
requires four to six months after regression of the pain of pillar pain type.
This surgery has the reputation of being benign and has a complication rate of
0.2–0.5%.
Background Photobiomodulation is widely studied for its potential benefits in the wound healing process. Numerous scientific studies have highlighted its effect on various phases of wound repair, but clinical validations are few. This comparative trial aims to evaluate the influence of photobiomodulation on the post-abdominoplasty healing process. Methods Seventeen Caucasian women (aged 18-55) who underwent an abdominoplasty were enrolled in this doubleblinded, controlled clinical trial. The postoperative scars were divided into two areas; the right side of the scars was treated with ten sessions of photobiomodulation (consisting in three types of wavelengths). The other part of the scars was used as control and did not receive any additional treatment. Clinical assessments of both parts of the scars were scheduled at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperative. Results Within six months following surgery, significantly improved quality of the scars on the treated side compared with the untreated side was reported by patients and experienced professionals according to Vancouver Scar Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (p \ 0.05) and standardized photographs (p \ 0.05). At 1 year of follow-up, patients observed no differences between the treated and untreated sides of the scars. This suggests that photobiomodulation appears to play an early role in the wound healing process, accelerating the first stages of cicatrization. Conclusion This study statistically validates the positive impact of photobiomodulation treatment on the first stages of the postoperative healing process. Carried out on Caucasians participants only, this study should, however, be performed on a more heterogeneous population to definitively confirm these effects on an international population. Clinical trial registry Registro Brasileiro de ensaios clı ´nicos: http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br,Trial RBR-49PK78.
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