Effects of a Temperature-sensitive, Anti-adhesive Agent on the Clinical Outcome of Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Abstract

Purpose:We investigated the anti-adhesive effects of a temperature-sensitive poloxamer/alginate mixture (Guardix-SG ® ; Hanmi Medicare Inc., Korea) through a prospective randomized controlled study for carpal tunnel release surgery. Methods: The 47 patients who received the infusion were classified as Group 1, and the 51 patients who did not were classified as Group 2. Basic demographic factors and preoperative clinical status were evaluated. At the postoperative 18 months, the degree of clinical recovery and adhesion around the median nerve for both groups were evaluated and compared using sonography. Results:The clinical outcomes, which were assessed using the six-item carpal tunnel symptoms scale, were not significantly different between the groups. However, sonography showed that adhesions around the median nerve were significantly less common in the infusion group. Conclusion: Although the anti-adhesive effects of the temperature-sensitive Guardix-SG® were apparent upon radiological investigation, its use was not associated with a significant difference in clinical outcome on the short-term period follow-up.