Ultrasound treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome

doi:10.1136/bmj.317.7158.601

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Emphasis must be on return of sensation and function

Louis Deliss, Consultant hand and orthopaedic surgeon.

Orthopaedic Department, Ipswich Hospital, Ipswich IP4 5PD
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria

EDITOR —I find Ebenbichler et al's paper on ultrasound treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome alarming.1 In my clinical practice as a hand surgeon I see many patients who are permanently disabled by end stage carpal tunnel syndrome: their loss of sensation in the radial digits causes major functional problems with activities of daily living. When treated they eventually become pain free but lose median nerve function.

Surgical treatment is simple and gives good or excellent return of sensation in 80-85% of patients. The cost …