Long-cane modification for carpal tunnel syndrome: a case report
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Published on: January 11, 2019
K Aquilante1, T Kern, A Courtney
1State University of New York, State College of Optometry, NY 10010, USA.
Background:
Low vision rehabilitation services should be multidisciplinary and should provide patients with as many options as are necessary to help partially sighted individuals maintain independence and quality of life.
Methods:
A case report is presented of a 30-year-old insulin-dependent diabetic patient with carpal tunnel syndrome. Team management resulted in referral for occupational therapy evaluation and resulted in long cane modification.
Results:
Modification of a long cane was accomplished using a piece of PVC plastic glued at a right angle to the long cane, thus acting as a handle. Fabric straps with Velcro fasteners made the cane movable with forearm rather than wrist motion and allowed the patient to maintain independent travel.
Conclusions:
This case presents an example of appropriate referral for an occupational therapy evaluation. Low vision rehabilitation demands an interdisciplinary approach.
