Abstract
Purpose: To compare the analgesia provided by pure subcutaneous infiltration (Gale technique) of lignocaine with that provided by infiltration of lignocaine into the carpal tunnel in addition to the subcutaneous tissue (Altissimi technique) for carpal tunnel decompression
Methods: 20 patients with bilateral carpal tunnel syndromes were chosen for the study. Patients were randomised to receive one local anaesthetic technique on one side and the other on the other side. The pain scores were recorded intraoperatively and 2 and 4 hours postoperatively.
Results: 5 patients experienced intra-operative pain with the Gale technique, while one did with the Altissimi technique (p=0.15 using Mann Whitney U test). Postoperative analgesia at 2 hours was significantly better with the Altissimi technique (p= 0.009). Patients with the Altissimi technique also required less number of analgesic tablets over 24 hours post surgery (p=0.01).
Conclusions: We found no statistically significant difference in the intra-operative pain scores with the two techniques. However, postoperative pain relief was much better with the Altissimi technique.
Correspondence should be addressed to Cynthia Vezina, Communications Manager, COA, 4150-360 Ste. Catherine St. West, Westmount, QC H3Z 2Y5, Canada
