Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) to enhance nerve regeneration in carpal tunnel syndrome: study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Abstract in brief

• The study investigates using AcetylLCarnitine (ALCAR) as an added treatment to improve nerve regeneration in severe carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients undergoing surgery, especially since recovery can be incomplete in severe cases.
• This is a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving adult patients with confirmed severe CTS, who will receive either 3000 mg/day of ALCAR or a placebo for two months post-surgery, with various nerve function and hand performance outcomes measured over a year.
• The primary measure of success is nerve regeneration, assessed through motor unit number estimation, with secondary measures including sensory tests and functional questionnaires, analyzed via two-way ANOVA to determine the effects of treatment over time.]