OBJECTIVETo explore the impacts of electroacupuncture on median nerve conduction velocity and morphology in patients of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and evaluate the efficacy of electroacupuncture on CTS.

METHODSThirty cases of CTS were treated with electroacupuncture at Quchi (LI 11), Yangchi (TE 4), Shousanli (LI 10), Neiguan (PC 6) and Hegu (LI 4) on the affected side, combined with semiconductor laser irradiation at Shenmen (HT 7) and Yangxi (LI 5) on the affected side. The improvements in the symptoms and changes in nerve conduction velocity and ultrasound morphology were observed before and after treatment.

RESULTThe clinical total effective rate was 96.7% (29/30). The median nerve conduction velocity was accelerated apparently and the amplitude was increased after treatment as compared with those before treatment, indicating the statistically significant difference (all P<0.001). The distal motor latency was shortened apparently (P<0.001) and the motor amplitude had no apparent change (P>0.05). The proximal median nerve swelling was relieved apparently after treatment (P<0.05) and the effective rate was 36.7% (11/30). There was no apparent difference in the ratio of the vertical and horizontal diameters of carpal tunnel after treatment as compared with that before treatment (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONElectroacupuncture presents the positive repair function to the median nerve in the patients of CTS. It can effectively alleviate inflammatory reaction and relieve ischemia and swelling of nerve fibers. And it cannot induce the changes in morphology in a short term.