Abstract
Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is the most commonly occurring peripheral nerve compression neuropathy and its condition characterized by an abnormality of the median nerve function due to compression of the nerve within the carpal tunnel. Surgical release of the transverse carpal ligament is an effective treatment for patients with CTS. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, vitamin B6 injection, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, magnetic therapy, bracing and local steroid injections have been used for closed treatment of CTS and effective results in the short-term treatment have been demonstrated clearly only for bracing and local steroid injections. Aim: was to identify the effect of local steroid injection on the outcome of surgical release of CTS. A prospective study that was conducted in the Orthopedic Department of at Basra General Hospital during the period from 1st of July 2005 till end of September 2006 on 40 patients, 20 of them with received local steroid injection (group A) and 20 without local steroid injection (group B virgin carpal tunnel) operations done to release the tunnel with monthly follow up by telephone call because of social and security problems at time of study. Pearson’s Chi–square test was used to assess statistical association between injection of local steroid and outcome of CTS surgery. A level of P – value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Postoperatively, in Group A, night pain and grip power were found to be improved in 17 (85%) and 11 (55%) of women, respectively, while 16 (80%) relieved from night pain, paresthesia and numbness. On the other hand, the postoperative follow up of women in group B showed that the improvement of night pain was occurred in 20 cases (90%), relieving of night pain, paresthesia and numbness in 17 (85%), and improvement of grip power was reported in 12 (60%). The analysis of association didn’t show statistical significant difference (P > 0.05) in surgical outcome between study groups. In conclusion; local steroid injection for CTS prior to surgery didn’t affect outcome of surgical release.
Highlights
Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is most broadly defined as a condition characterized by an abnormality of the median nerve function due to compression of the nerve within the carpal tunnel (1)
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common chronic hand condition referred for surgery
Reasonable explanation was that repetitive work in dominant hand increase the risk of CTS, repeated flexion and extension of the wrist defined in various way increase the risk of job related CTS
Summary
Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is most broadly defined as a condition characterized by an abnormality of the median nerve function due to compression of the nerve within the carpal tunnel (1). A recent population‐based study established a prevalence of 2.7% for CTS in the general population (3). It occurs most often in patients between 30 and 60 years old and it is five times more frequent in women than in men (4). Harrington et al suggested surveillance diagnostic criteria for CTS should include pain or paranesthesia or sensory loss in the median nerve distribution and one of (Tinel’s test positive, Phalen’s test positive, nocturnal exacerbation of symptoms, motor loss with wasting of the abductor pollicis brevis, or abnormal nerve conduction studies) (6). Surgical release is indicated for failed conservative treatment, severe symptoms at presentation and various disease states like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or CTS with cervical spondylosis when occur together and may exacerbate one another (double crush).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
