How to treat Guyon's canal syndrome? Results from the European HANDGUIDE study: a multidisciplinary treatment guideline

Abstract

Background: Although Guyon's canal syndrome is not highly prevalent, a considerable knowledge of anatomy is needed to localise and treat the pathology. Data on the effectiveness of interventions for this disorder are lacking.

Objective: To achieve consensus on a multidisciplinary treatment guideline for this disorder based on experts' opinions.

Methods: A European Delphi consensus strategy was initiated. In total, 35 experts (hand surgeons/hand therapists selected by the national member associations of their European federations and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physicians) participated in the Delphi consensus strategy. Each Delphi round consisted of a questionnaire, an analysis and a feedback report.

Results: After three Delphi rounds, consensus was achieved on the description, symptoms and diagnosis of Guyon's canal syndrome. The experts agreed that patients with this disorder should always receive instructions and that these instructions should be combined with another form of treatment. Instructions combined with splinting or with surgery were considered as suitable treatment options. Details on the use of instructions, splinting and surgery were described. Main factors for selecting one of the aforementioned treatment options were identified: severity and duration of the syndrome and previous treatments given. A relation between the severity/duration and choice of therapy was indicated by the experts and reported in the guideline.

Conclusions: Although this disorder is less prevalent and not easy to diagnose, this guideline may contribute to better insight into and treatment of Guyon's canal syndrome.

Keywords: Physiotherapy; Soft tissue injuries; Wrist injuries.