Objective: To investigate effect of photobiomodulation (PBM) on nerve regeneration after neurotization with the Oberlin Procedure (ulnar fascicle to motor branch to biceps) to restore elbow flexion in patients with brachial plexus injury. Materials and methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted with 14 patients with high brachial plexus injury who underwent neurotization with the Oberlin Procedure to restore elbow flexion. The patients were randomly allocated to two groups of equal numbers: control group and PBM group. In this study, the PBM used has a wavelength of 808 nm, 50 mW power, continuous mode emission, 4 J/cm2 dosimetry, administered daily for 10 consecutive days, with an interval of 2 days (weekends). The outcome of surgery was assessed after 1, 2, 3, and 6 months. The nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test and chi-square test were utilized to compare the results between both groups. Results: After 3 months postoperatively, more patients in the PBM group had demonstrated signs of reinnervation and the mean muscle power was significantly higher in the PBM group. No adverse effects resulted from the administration of PBM. Conclusions: PBM is a treatment modality that can improve nerve regeneration after neurotization with the Oberlin Procedure.
Background: Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is widely accepted as an effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. However, the recovery is often delayed and incomplete. Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) produces a nonthermal effect on living tissues; it promotes healing, remodels and reduces inflammation of an injured nerve. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of CTR between patients who underwent postoperative PBMT and without PBMT. Materials and methods: We recruited 105 patients who had open CTR from January 2019 to January 2021. Fifty-six patients fulfilled the study criteria and were randomized into two groups: with PBMT (n = 28) and without PBMT (n = 28). Demographic and clinical data were obtained preoperatively. The PBMT group had ten 3-min sessions over 3 weeks using 808 nm, 50 mW PBMT to deliver 9 J per session to the CTR incision scar. Clinical outcomes were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. Data analysis was performed with SPSS software. Results: There were significant improvements in the Functional Status Scale in the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (p = 0.018) and pain (visual analogue scales) in the morning (p = 0.019) at 1 month postoperatively in the PBMT group compared with the non-PBMT group. Improvement of tip pinch strength at 3 months (p = 0.022) and 6 months (p = 0.024), lateral pinch strength at 1 month (p = 0.042) and 3 months (p = 0.05), and tripod pinch strength at 3 months (p = 0.005) was significantly better in the PBMT group. Thumb 2-point discrimination (2PD) at 3 months (p = 0.018) and 6 months (p = 0.016) and index finger 2PD at 3 months (p = 0.039) were also significantly improved in the PBMT group. There were no side effects of PBMT reported. Conclusions: Patients who underwent PBMT post-CTR had better outcomes. PBMT may be a valuable adjunct to post-CTR care.