Comparison of amniotic membrane transplantation and carpal tunnel syndrome release surgery (CTRS) and CTRS alone: Clinical outcomes at 1-year follow-up.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common focal entrapment mononeuropathy, comprising medium nerve chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Although carpal tunnel release surgery (CTRS) has demonstrated to be effective, around 3% to 25% of CTRS show recurrence. Amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT) has been used in different pathologies inhibiting inflammation and fibrosis and promoting nerve repair. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of AMT in CTRS. The present study comprised a randomized, single-blind controlled trial to compare the 1-year follow-up outcomes of AMT in CTRS (AMT group) or CTRS alone (control group) in patients with CTS. Thirty-five patients with unilateral or bilateral CTS were enrolled, and 47 wrists were randomized into two groups: the AMT group and the control group. To compare the outcomes, three different questionnaires scores (Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, and Historical-Objective scale) were used. Evaluations were assessed at baseline and at 15 days, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Compared with the control group, the AMT group showed significant (p < 0.05) reductions in all scores from 6 months after surgery until the end of the study. Both AMT and control groups showed significant intragroup differences in all scores, since the first month after surgery until the end of the study in comparison with the baseline scores. Taken together, these results indicate that CTRS in conjunction with AMT is more effective than CTRS alone in patients with CTS at 1-year follow-up. Clinical Trial: NCT04075357; Amniotic Membrane in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

[Treatment in unstable thorax. Case report]. / Tratamiento de tórax flotante. Presentación de caso.

We present 45 years-old male patient with bilateral luxation of all costochondral joints due to a compression mechanism while he was working beneath a car and the support was lost. He presented with floating sternum and ventilatory compromise among other injuries. Initially he was intubated and the costochondral joints were temporary fixated with dexon suture while making counter balance with 2 kg. As he was on positive pressure ventilation, lungs reexpanded we decided to place three anchors in each side of the sternum, fixated to an external aluminum support. After 10 days out of the intensive care unit, he was discharged and seen every 2 weeks. The anchors were retired in week number four and after 3 months he reintegrated to normal labor and daily activities, with limitation on flexo-extension of the left elbow by arthrogryposis.