Comparing the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided versus blind steroid injection in the treatment of severe carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract Introduction Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. It accounts for 90% of all entrapment neuropathies, with a 7-16% in the UK. It has a significant impact on patients’ daily lives. Clinically, CTS results in paraesthesia, while extreme cases may involve muscular atrophy and weakness. There is currently a disparity between optimal treatments for CTS. Therefore, this paper aims to identify the optimal treatment for CTS with post-treatment BCTQ (Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) scores (including both functional and symptomatic severity) at 1, 3 and 6 months. Method The BCTQ scores for were sited from PubMed, Google Scholar and the University of Dundee Library search engine by entering key words such as “carpal tunnel syndrome”, “surgical decompression”, “surgical release” and “steroid injection”. Means and standard deviations for pre- and post-treatment after 1, 3 and 6 months were obtained. From this, forest plots were constructed using a software where steroid injection and surgical decompression were inputted separately, and effect sizes were then compared for 1, 3 and 6 months. Results The meta-analysis included reviewing 133 articles. The effect size was determined using the random effects model. Steroid injection was more effective than surgical decompression after 1 and 3 months. However, after 6 months, surgical decompression was more effective. Conclusions Identification of long-term relief of CTS through surgical decompression allows the reduction of symptom recurrence and thus costly follow-up appointments. This study provides robust clinical findings for the optimal treatment of CTS.

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Ultrasound-Guided Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A New Interventional Procedure

Seminars in Interventional Radiology ◽

10.1055/s-0038-1673360 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 35 (04) ◽

pp. 248-254 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Antoine Hakime ◽

Jonathan Silvera ◽

Pascal Richette ◽

Rémy Nizard ◽

David Petrover

Keyword(s):

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽

Carpal Tunnel ◽

Interventional Procedure ◽

Carpal Tunnel Release ◽

Ultrasound Guided ◽

Recent Contribution ◽

Invasive Approach ◽

Guided Surgery ◽

Tunnel Syndrome ◽

Meta Analyses

AbstractCarpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may be treated surgically if medical treatment fails. The classical approach involves release of the flexor retinaculum by endoscopic or open surgery. Meta-analyses have shown that the risk of nerve injury may be higher with endoscopic treatment. The recent contribution of ultrasound to the diagnosis and therapeutic management of CTS opens new perspectives. Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release via a minimally invasive approach enables the whole operation to be performed as a percutaneous radiological procedure. The advantages are a smaller incision compared with classical techniques; great safety during the procedure by visualization of anatomic structures, particularly variations in the median nerve; and realization of the procedure under local anesthesia. These advantages lead to a reduction in postsurgical sequelae and more rapid resumption of daily activities and work. Dressings are removed by the third day postsurgery. Recent studies seem to confirm the medical, economic, and aesthetic benefits of this new approach.

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