Hand Function Outcome After the Application of Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive on Post-burn Patients Presented With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Effect of Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Post Burn

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common entrapment neuropathy that can develop as a secondary complication following deep burns involving the hand or wrist. Post-burn CTS arises due to factors such as fibrosis, edema, and scar contracture, which may increase pressure on the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, leading to significant pain, sensory disturbances, and impaired hand function Recent studies support the effectiveness of Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive (TECAR ) therapy in idiopathic CTS, showing improvements in pain, symptom severity, and function, as measured by validated tools such as the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

A study reported that both TECAR and ultrasound groups showed significant symptom improvement after treatment, although ultrasound had more sustained effects on median nerve cross-sectional area at 3 months

This study will involve 52 patients diagnosed with CTS post-burn; they will receive TECAR as an intervention. The outcome measures include ( VAS, Arabic version of Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, and Camry Digital Handgrip Dynamometer

Inclusion Criteria:

• Participant is between 20 and 40 years of age.
• Diagnosed with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
• History of an upper limb burn, with the percentage of the Total Body Surface Area (TBSA) ranging from 20% to 25%.
• Upper limb burn is diagnosed as a 2nd or 3rd-degree burn complicated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis is clinically confirmed using physical examination, including a positive Tinel's sign and positive Phalen's test.
• Participant provides written informed consent before enrollment.

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of double crush syndrome, cervical radiculopathy, or fibromyalgia.
• History of wrist fracture or distal radius fracture.
• Diagnosis of systemic or local diseases that contribute to peripheral neuropathy, including Diabetes Mellitus or rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• Diagnosis of hypothyroidism, skin diseases, or peripheral vascular diseases.
• Current or past history of cancer.
• Use of a hand or wrist splint within the past three months.
• Presence of an implanted pacemaker or electrical prosthesis.