Carpal tunnel dimensions following osteopathic manipulation utilizing dorsal carpal arch muscle energy: a pilot study

Ultrasound measurements at the narrowest section of the carpal tunnel before and after DCA-ME OMT of healthy asymptomatic wrists demonstrated a significant increase in cross-sectional area as well as depth, with no significant change in the length of the transverse carpal ligament, suggesting that the cause of the increased volume is an alteration of dorsal arch shape. A limitation of the study is the small sample size, inclusion of only healthy wrists, the short period of time between manipulation and measurements, and the difficulty of assuring the same level and angle of ultrasound measurements.