• Po-Cheng Chen, Lin-Yi Wang, Ya-Ping Pong, Yi-Jung Hsin, Mei-Yun Liaw, and Chia-Wei Chiang.
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Kaohsiung Medical Center, 83305 Kaohsiung, Taiwan ROC.
• J Rehabil Med. 2018 Feb 13; 50 (2): 200-208.

ObjectiveTo compare the outcomes of ultrasound-guided vs direct approach corticosteroid injection in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.MethodsA double-blind randomized controlled study. Wrists affected by carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized to the ultrasound-guided (n = 22 wrists) or direct approach injection group (n = 17 wrists) before receiving 1 ml Betamethasone. Outcome measures were physical findings and electrodiagnostic parameters assessed at 1, 3 and 6 months after injection. Complications were also recorded.ResultsBoth groups showed improvement through-out the follow-up period after injections, in physical findings and in most electrodiagnostic parameters (all p<0.05). The ultrasound-guided injection group showed greater improvements in the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament test result (p = 0.004), sensory nerve conduction velocity (p = 0.038), and digit-4 comparison study result (p = 0.046). Three wrists with weakness were found in the direct approach injection group, yet none were noted in the ultrasound-guided injection group (p=0.040).ConclusionBoth ultrasound-guided and direct approach corticosteroid injection protocols improved clinical symptoms and signs, physical function, and most electrodiagnostic parameters of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome throughout the follow-up period. However, the ultrasound-guided injection group showed greater improvements in the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament test, sensory nerve conduction velocity, and digit-4 comparison study.

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