The effect of local steroid injection in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome

Abstract EN

The object of the study was to assess the value of local steroid injection in the management of idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome not associated with secondary cause or severe median nerve damage in patients from the outpatient clinics of three referral hospitals of the Jordanian Royal Medical Services.

Secondary causes were excluded by taking a detailed history, thorough physical examination and relevant laboratory tests.

Local steroid (Triamcenolone) was injected into the carpal tunnel of 34 Jordanian patients with clinically and electrophysiologically proven idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

They were monitored for a period of six months, being re-examined first at three weeks post injection then monthly for 3 months and lastly at six months, and were assessed clinically for relief or relapse of symptoms at each stage.

Twenty seven (80%) of the patients were free of symptoms at three weeks but 23 of these (85%) had a recurrence of symptoms at the first of the monthly follow-ups with the same result at the end of the observation period.

There were no side effects at the injection site.

Age, sex, severity of nerve conduction studies and previous duration of symptoms had no effect on the outcome.

Patients with right hand involvement did better than those with left hand in volvement.

Conclusion: Local steroid injection is a simple, rapid and effective method of alleviating symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

The dramatic relief from pain and distress is very much appreciated by the patient.

However the benefit is temporary in most cases and the period of relief varies.