Abstract: An apparatus for treating carpal tunnel syndrome in a patient's hand includes a bilateral housing for receiving the patient's right or left hand with two bottom capture regions for capturing and retaining the thenar and hypothenar regions of the patient's hand. The housing also includes a top portion with a pressure element adapted and configured to contact at least a portion of the central longitudinal dorsal region of the patient's hand. The pressure element is connected to a pressure source, such that when the hand is inserted into the housing, the pressure element may be activated to exert pressure on the respective central dorsal region of the hand while the hypothenar and thenar regions of the band are retained by the first and second capture regions, thus exerting forces opposite to the pressure exerted by the pressure element.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. The inventive apparatus includes a bilateral housing for receiving the patient's right or left hand with two bottom capture regions for capturing and retaining the thenar and hypothenar regions of the patient's hand. The housing also includes a top portion with a pressure element adapted and configured to contact at least a portion of the central longitudinal dorsal region of the patient's hand.

Abstract: A method and appliance for treating carpal tunnel syndrome has a splint with dorsal, thenar and hypothenar portions for applying pressure to the respective dorsal aspect of the hand and to thenar and hypothenar areas of a palmar aspect of the hand to induce stretching of the carpal ligament and flexor retinaculum. The thenar and hypothenar portions of the splint are connected to opposite sides of the dorsal portion and are spaced from the dorsal portion to allow for the insertion of the hand to be treated. The splint is preferably formed from a unitary piece of substantially rigid material and is sized and shaped to closely receive the hand with the dorsal, thenar and hypothenar portions substantially aligned with and covering the respective dorsal aspect, and thenar and hypothenar areas of the palmar aspect of the hand.