Comparison of Focused and Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Comparison of Focused and Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Extracorporeal shock wave is a novel treatment for peripheral nerve entrapment. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of focused and radial extracorporeal shock wave for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Both focused and radial extracorporeal shock wave had been proved to treat carpal tunnel syndrome by several studies. However, there was no study comparing these two methods. Considering different mechanisms and costs, this randomized comparative trial would be conducted to compare the efficacy of focused and radial extracorporeal shock wave for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical and electrophysiological diagnosis of CTS

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cervical radiculopathy
• Polyneuropathy
• Brachial plexopathy
• Thoracic outlet syndrome
• Previous wrist surgery or steroid injection for CTS