LOW-LEVEL LASER THERAPY AFTER CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Neurology
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Background:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition causing hand and wrist pain.
• Post-operative treatment aims to reduce symptoms and improve functional recovery.
• Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is explored as an adjuvant therapy for post-surgical management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of LLLT as a post-operative treatment for CTS.
• To compare functional outcomes and symptom reduction in patients receiving LLLT versus placebo.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 58 patients with CTS, randomly assigned to LLLT or placebo groups.
• LLLT administered using an 830 nm gallium-aluminum-arsenic laser at 30 mW power.
• Patients were evaluated post-treatment, with electromyographic abnormalities assessed at six months.

Main Results:

• Fewer patients in the LLLT group reported postoperative complaints compared to the placebo group.
• Electromyographic abnormalities were significantly lower in the LLLT group (29.41%) versus the placebo group (63.64%) at six months.
• The LLLT group demonstrated better functional outcomes post-surgery.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative LLLT is an effective adjuvant therapy for CTS.
• LLLT offers significant benefits in reducing postoperative symptoms and improving functional recovery.
• The LLLT technique is safe and well-tolerated by patients undergoing CTS surgery.