Comparison of proximal and distal corticosteroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome

Introduction Evidence for the efficacy of distal corticosteroid injection compared with proximal injection in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is inadequate. Methods We conducted a randomized, double‐blind noninferiority trial of 131 wrists with CTS. Forty milligrams of methylprednisolone was injected m...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Muscle & nerve 2020-07, Vol.62 (1), p.89-94
Main Authors: Nair, Pradeep Pankajakshan, Wadwekar, Vaibhav, Chakkalakkoombil, Sunitha Vellathussery, Narayan, Sunil K., Marusani, Revanth, Murgai, Aditya, Thirunavukkarasu, Sibi, Krishnamoorthy, Amritha, Thazhath, Harichandrakumar Kottyen
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Corticosteroids
Injection
Methylprednisolone
methylprednisolone injection
Overuse injuries
Pain
proximal and distal injections
Wrist
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Summary:Introduction Evidence for the efficacy of distal corticosteroid injection compared with proximal injection in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is inadequate. Methods We conducted a randomized, double‐blind noninferiority trial of 131 wrists with CTS. Forty milligrams of methylprednisolone was injected medial to the palmaris longus tendon 2 cm proximal to the wrist crease, or at the volar aspect, 2 to 3 cm distal to the wrist crease. Proximal & distal groups received a placebo. The primary outcome was difference in CTS Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) score at 1 month. Secondary outcome measures included the difference in SSS score at 3 months, Functional Status Scale (FSS) score at 1 and 3 months, and pain of injections. Results No significant differences were noted between groups in scores on the SSS and FSS. Pain was lower in the proximal group compared with the distal group. Discussion Corticosteroid injections for CTS distal to the wrist are not inferior to proximal injections, yet they are more painful.
ISSN:0148-639X
1097-4598
DOI:10.1002/mus.26886