Comparative study between blind and ultrasound-guided steroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract

BackgroundCarpal tunnel syndrome is the most common entrapment neuropathy. Local injections of corticosteroids have proven to be an effective treatment option. Injections are either blind (non-guided) or guided by ultrasound. The current study aimed to compare the efficiency of both approaches and determine which one yields better results.MethodThis study involved 30 patients (8 males, 22 females, aged 36–58 years, mean age 48.3 years) with 30 affected hands with mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Patients were randomly divided into two equal groups. Steroid injections were performed blindly in group 1 and ultrasound-guided in group 2. A mixture of 2 ml of triamcinolone and lidocaine was administered at both groups. Follow-up (using the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire and ultrasound assessment) was performed 4 weeks after the injection.ResultsThe symptom severity scale, functional status scale, cross-sectional area, and flattening ratio were significantly reduced in both groups at 4 weeks after the procedure. The ultrasound-guided group showed a statistically significant improvement compared to the blindly injected group.ConclusionsLocal steroid injection is an effective method in the management of both idiopathic and secondary carpal tunnel syndrome. Although clinical and sonographic improvement was achieved with blind and guided steroid injections, better results were obtained when ultrasound was used.