Corticosteroid Injection For Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Research Articles

Association of carpal tunnel syndrome risk factors with treatment modality selection focusing on corticosteroid injection and surgery: A nationwide population-based study.

Several studies have revealed the risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). However, no studies have evaluated the influence of these risk factors on the selection of treatment modalities for CTS. This study aimed to determine the influence of CTS risk factors on the selection of CTS treatment modalities with a focus on corticosteroid injection (CI) and surgery. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≥20 years with newly diagnosed CTS in the Korean health insurance review and assessment service between 2010 and 2019. We evaluated the demographic information, the existence of CTS risk factors, and the applied treatment modalities for CTS, including CI and operation. The CTS risk factors include age, sex, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis of the hand or wrist, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, gout, chronic kidney disease (CKD) on dialysis, antiestrogen or aromatase inhibitor medication, and a history of distal radius fracture (DRF). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. Age over 80 years was the most significantly associated factor for the selection of CI in CTS (odd ratio [OR], 2.149; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.092 to 2.209; P < .001). Among underlying diseases or medications, CKD on dialysis (OR, 4.001; 95% CI, 3.819-4.193; P < .001) was the most significant associated factor for the selection of operation for CTS, followed by a history of DRF (OR, 1.803; 95% CI, 1.749-1.860; P < .001). Old age was the most significantly related factor for selecting CI. Among underlying diseases or medications, CKD on dialysis and the history of DRF were the most significantly related factors for selecting operative treatment. For these patients, clinicians should proactively consider an operation to reduce the long-term discomfort and economic burdens.

New technique of ultrasound-guided injection in the carpal tunnel syndrome

In conventional ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), the entry point is usually at the distal crease of the wrist. However, actual pathology of CTS is caused by thickening of the transverse carpal ligament (TCL). Injection of corticosteroid can reduce inflammation and ameliorate the symptoms, but it cannot reduce the thickness of TCL. If we change the entry point to just 10 mm below the distal crease rather than at the distal crease, we can inject corticosteroid around the median nerve and into the TCL. Five patients with CTS treated with ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection around median nerve and into the TCL. The diagnosis of CTS was made by history, physical examination, sonographic evaluation, and electrophysiologic confirmation. Sonographic examinations were performed by one physiatrist using Samsung scanner with a 5–12 MHz linear transducer. Standard 23-gauge needles were used for administration of local anesthetics and triamcinolone mixture (total 1 cm 3 ). After transverse view and longitudinal view, the entry point was determined. The entry point was below the distal crease, where the needle could easily introduce the injection material into the thickened TCL. The direction of the needle entry point was from lateral to ulnar side. Total of five female patients with CTS were included. The mean age was 55.4 ± 3.6 years. The mean duration of disease was 4.6 (range 3–8 mo) months. The results were good to excellent in all patients. There were no complications during the procedure. Ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injection in CTS, combined with injection at the thickened TCL may be a good method and further research is needed to confirm the usability.

Influence of Injection Volume on Rate of Subsequent Intervention in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Over 1-Year Follow-Up.

The optimal volume and dose of corticosteroid injections for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) have not yet been established. It is unknown whether the volume of injectate influences the outcome of carpal tunnel injection. The purpose of this study was to assess whether there is an association between the volume of injectate and subsequent intervention in the treatment of CTS. This study evaluated residents of Olmsted County, MN, who were treated with a corticosteroid injection for CTS between 2001 and 2010. Failure of treatment was the primary outcome, defined as a subsequent intervention: either a second injection or carpal tunnel release within 1 year of initial injection. General estimating equations logistic regression was used to assess the association between injectate volume and rate of treatment failure, adjusting for age, sex, effective dose of steroid, type of steroid injected, electrodiagnostic severity, and the presence of comorbidities such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and radiculopathy. There were 856 affected hands in 651 patients. A total of 56% (n= 484) of treated hands received subsequent treatment within 1 year. Multivariable analysis showed that a larger injectate volume was significantly associated with reduced rate of treatment failure within 1 year. Rheumatoid arthritis and ultrasound-guided procedures were also associated with a reduced rate of treatment failure, whereas severe electrodiagnostic results were associated with an increased rate of failure. This study showed that a larger volume of corticosteroid injection is associated with reduced odds of subsequent intervention after a single corticosteroid injection in CTS. Further research is needed to determine the optimal volume for steroid injections in the treatment of CTS. Prognostic IV.

Effectiveness of Ultrasound‐Guided Compared to Blind Steroid Injections in the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

To compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided injections to blind injections in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in a large community-based cohort. This study evaluated residents of Olmsted County, Minnesota, treated with a corticosteroid injection for CTS between 2001 and 2010. The proportion of patients receiving retreatment and the duration of retreatment-free survival between blind and ultrasound-guided injections were compared. Propensity score matching was used to control for confounding by indication. In the matched data set consisting of 234 (of 600) hands treated with a blind injection and 87 (of 89) ultrasound-guided injection cases, ultrasound guidance was associated with a reduced hazard of retreatment (hazard ratio 0.59 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.37-0.93]). In addition, ultrasound guidance was associated with 55% reduced odds of retreatment within 1 year compared to blind injections (adjusted odds ratio 0.45 [95% CI 0.24-0.83]). This study indicates that ultrasound-guided injections are more effective in comparison to blind injections in the treatment of CTS.