Capstone teams work with Li to treat carpal tunnel syndrome

For their interdisciplinary capstone project, two teams of engineering students are working to launch a mechanical brace that treats symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

After researching carpal tunnel syndrome for over a decade, BME professor Zong-Ming Li invented a device to relieve symptoms caused by the hand problem. With help from the Interdisciplinary Capstone program and Tech Launch Arizona, the professor of orthopaedic surgery is on the cusp of making the conservative carpal arch space augmentation mechanism available to patients.

 “Carpal tunnel syndrome is a highly prevalent problem, and translating our findings to benefit patients is extremely satisfying,” said Li, also the William and Sylvia Rubin Chair of Orthopaedic Research and associate director of the University of Arizona Arthritis Center.

Li represented sponsors U of A College of Medicine – Tucson and the College of Engineering’s BME department in guiding Teams 24020 and 24021 during the 2023-2024 academic year. The sponsors tasked each team with taking a different approach to designing and building a prototype to relieve CTS symptoms – including pain, weakness, numbness and tingling – in hands and arms.

CTS results from compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, a narrow passageway on the palm side of the wrist. Both teams’ wearables apply specific forces to manipulate the carpal arch and treat this compression. Team 24020 used mechanical engineering – a precise tightening apparatus and a spring. Team 24021’s invention employs battery-powered electronics controlled by a user interface. Both teams won awards at the 2024 Craig M. Berge Design Day.