Osteopathic manipulation versus wrist immobilization for carpal tunnel syndrome
Comparing Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulation vs. Wrist Immobilization for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Patient Perception
This test will see if hands-on osteopathic manipulation or wearing a wrist brace works better to reduce pain, numbness, and loss of function in adults with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | New York Institute of Technology Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Old Westbury, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT07432750 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized, single-site study at the New York Institute of Technology compares osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) to standard wrist immobilization in adults with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Eligible participants must meet symptom thresholds on the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and will be randomly assigned to OMT or a wrist brace by drawing a number from a bag. A baseline MRI of the affected wrist will be obtained and volumetric and structural measures of the carpal tunnel and median nerve will be analyzed. Symptom scores and imaging changes will be tracked over the follow-up period to compare outcomes between groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (18+) with physician-diagnosed mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome who meet the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire score criteria and have not had prior carpal tunnel release are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with severe carpal tunnel syndrome, prior carpal tunnel release, those who found no benefit from bracing, pregnant patients, or those with MRI contraindications are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a non-surgical option that reduces symptoms and improves hand function for people with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials and case series have suggested benefit from manual therapies including osteopathic manipulation for CTS, but large randomized comparisons with bracing and correlated imaging remain limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients who have been diagnosed with mild/moderate carpal tunnel syndrome * Patients who are over the age of 18 and patients who score at least a 3 in at least one category in both subsections of the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire. * Exclusion criteria: * Patients who are under the age of 18 * Patients who are pregnant * Patients who have found no benefit to their Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms with bracing * Patients who have previously undergone Carpal Tunnel Release * Patients who have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, osteomyelitis, underlying bone diseases, severe rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis. * Patients with magnetic resonance imaging specific contraindications include patients with metallic implanted devices or retained metallic foreign bodies, patients with severe and uncontrolled claustrophobia and patients who are pregnant
Where this trial is running
Old Westbury, New York
- New York Institute of Technology — Old Westbury, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jordan Keys, DO
- Email: jordan.keys@nyit.edu
- Phone: 1 (805)895-3022
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.