NEW TECHNIQUE FOR REDUCING FIBROSIS IN RECURRENT CASES OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME
Abstract
Purpose: Synthetic bio-degradable materials have been used as an artificial barrier in prophylaxis of adhesions. We report on the use of lactid caprolacton film (Mesofol®) in recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. We hypothesise that its use will give favourable results regarding the functional outcome and the recurrence rate.
Patients and methods: Fourteen patients were prospectively reviewed following neurolysis and application of Mesofol® film. Average age was 48 years. Outcome assessment measures included; two-point discrimination, verbal rating scale, and Boston Questionnaire.
Results: Follow-up period averaged 25.5 months. Post-operative two-point discrimination improved to an average of 4.57 mm. The post-operative average verbal rating scale was 1.5. The mean symptom severity score improved to 1.88 and the mean functional score improved to 1.69 post-operatively.
Conclusion: In cases of recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome, the use of mesofol barrier yields good functional results at the short term follow-up. The technique is simple. No patients needed further surgeries.
