A Comparison of Ultrasound-guided Steroid Injection With Wrist Splint in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Status:
Recruiting
Trial end date:
2022-11-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of a nerve called the median nerve as
it travels through a narrow tunnel within the wrist on its way to the hand. Compression of
the median nerve causes numbness, tingling, pain and weakness of the hand and fingers. CTS is
usually treated with rest or a change in the activity level. It can also be treated with a
splint that limits bending of the hand and wrist. Other treatments include a steroid
injection near the median nerve. Surgery can be performed if the symptoms are severe or
persistent.
Compression of the median nerve can cause swelling that may be observed with ultrasound of
the wrist. Ultrasound can also be used to help guide the needle to inject the steroid
solution in close proximity to the median nerve while avoiding injury to the nerve.
The investigators plan to compare the effectiveness of a splint and an ultrasound-guided
steroid injection in the treatment of mild to moderate CTS. Individuals with CTS who agree to
participate, will be randomly assigned to two groups. One group will be treated with a splint
and the other with a steroid injection performed under ultrasound guidance. The severity of
CTS symptoms will be determined prior to beginning the study and also at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6
months and 1 year following each of the two treatment interventions. The median nerve size
(diameter) will be measured in all participants prior to beginning the study and also
following both treatment interventions at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year.
At the conclusion of the study, the investigators will determine which of the two treatments,
splint or steroid injection, is more effective in alleviating CTS symptoms. The investigators
will also determine if either or both treatments result in a change in swelling of the median
nerve as measured by ultrasound.