Peer-reviewed research
Splinting for carpal tunnel syndrome (Cochrane review, 2023)
Karjalainen TV et al., Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2023
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- The 2023 Cochrane update of the review of wrist splints for carpal tunnel syndrome, pooling 29 trials of 1,937 adults and grading the certainty of the evidence.
- How much weight it carries
- The highest-level synthesis available. Most included trials were at high risk of bias, mainly because they could not be blinded, so the certainty of the evidence is low.
Facts taken from this source
- The 2023 Cochrane splinting review excluded trials that compared one splint design with another, so it does not rank brace designs against each other.
“We excluded studies comparing splinting with surgery or one splint design with another.” (Selection criteria)
- The 2023 Cochrane splinting review concluded that there is insufficient evidence to say whether splinting benefits people with carpal tunnel syndrome.
“There is insufficient evidence to conclude whether splinting benefits people with CTS.” (Authors' conclusions)
- Compared with no active treatment, splinting may provide little or no benefit in symptoms in the short term.
“splinting may provide little or no benefits in symptoms in the short term” (Main results)
- The 2023 Cochrane splinting review says it is unclear whether a splint is optimally worn full time or only at night-time.
“It is unclear if a splint is optimally worn full time or at night-time only” (Authors' conclusions)
Pages that rest on this source
- Should you wear a wrist brace while typing?Question
- What is the best brace for carpal tunnel?Question
- Can carpal tunnel syndrome be cured without surgery?Question
- Does kinesio tape help carpal tunnel syndrome?Question
- How do you treat carpal tunnel syndrome at home?Question
- RSI From Typing: Symptoms, Causes and RecoveryGuide