Secondary outcomes
Hand pinch strength was evaluated using pinch gauges at an elbow flexion of 90 degrees. Three tests were conducted, and the mean was reported in pounds (lbs) (Median nerve electrodiagnostic measurement was performed at a room temperature of 32 °C using Medtronic Keypoint G4 (Natus Medical Incorporated, Pleasanton, CA, USA). Median motor nerve recording was done using a surface-recording electrode placed on the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) muscle. The stimulating electrode was placed 8 cm from the active electrode at the APB muscle on the median nerve between the palmaris longus tendon, flexor carpi radialis tendon and elbow. We recorded the onset latency and compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude. In addition, antidromic sensory nerve conduction studies evoked at the wrist were recorded from the middle finger: in this case, the stimulating electrode was first positioned 14 cm away from the active electrode which was around the proximal phalanx, and then at the elbow. A minimum of 20 sensory nerve action potentials were averaged. In addition, the peak latency and sensory nerve action potential (SNAP) amplitude were recorded. If the CMAP amplitude was less than 5 mV or there was no response, electromyography (EMG) was performed.