Journal of Osteopathic Medicine June 2025: Carpal tunnel dimensions following osteopathic manipulation utilizing dorsal carpal arch muscle energy: a pilot study

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Expires on Jun 09, 2028

Cost

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Non-Member: $22.00

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Credit Offered

1 AOA Category 1-B Credit

OVERVIEW
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. When mild to moderate in severity, nonoperative treatments including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) have been found to be effective. Studies have been carried out to quantify the mechanism of such treatments with cadaver studies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. This pilot project investigated the mechanism of a previously undescribed technique of nonoperative carpal tunnel treatment, dorsal carpal arch muscle energy (DCAME), which focuses on the dorsal arch (trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate bones) manipulating the bones to redome the arch, round the tunnel, and increase its volume. Although the actual effectiveness of such manipulation in the treatment of CTS can only be assessed and quantified in patients with the disorder, this initial study was carried out to see if it was feasible for physical changes following DCAME to be quantified with ultrasound.

Authors: Lilian Zhan; Juanita Brown, DO; Sharon Gustowski, DO; Patrick Davis, PhD; Mario Loomis, MD

OBJECTIVES

Describe the anatomy of the carpal tunnel
Discuss the application of dorsal carpal arch muscle energy (DCA-ME) as an OMT technique
Explain the effect of DCA-ME on ultrasound measurements of carpal tunnel depth and width

Expiration Date: June 9, 2028

The AOA designates this activity for a maximum of 1.0 AOA Category 1-B Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.