Sonographic Evaluation of Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Following Steroid Injection

Sonographic Evaluation of Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Following Steroid Injection

The objective of this study was to assess sonographic changes of the median nerve after steroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Patients with CTS were recruited. The Boston Questionnaire (BQ) was administered and ultrasonographic and electrophysiological examinations were performed before and at two, six, and 12 weeks after steroid injection. Cross sectional area (CSA) was measured at 2 levels: at the tunnel inlet and in the mid-carpal tunnel. Flattening ratio (FR) was measured only in the mid-carpal tunnel. Correlation analyses between baseline ultrasonography, BQ, and electrophysiological measures were performed.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. clinical diagnosis of CTS
2. The diagnosis of CTS was confirmed by electrophysiological tests.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. neurologic disorders that could mimic CTS such as cervical radiculopathy, polyneuropathy, proximal median nerve entrapment, or thoracic outlet syndrome
2. history of distal radius fracture
3. pregnancy or lactation
4. regular use of systemic NSAIDs or corticosteroids
5. known allergy to corticosteroids and local anesthetics.