Efficacy of Ultrasound Versus Landmark- Guided Steroid Injections for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Double-Blind Trial.
OrthoEvidence Journal (OE Journal) - ACE Report
Epub Ahead of Print
Arch Rheumatol. 2026 01-Jan;():. 10.5152/ArchRheumatol.2026.25100What this means for my practice?
Ultrasound-guided and landmark-guided corticosteroid injections provide similar clinical benefits for moderate CTS. Clinically, either technique can be used effectively, though ultrasound may improve safety by reducing minor complications. A key limitation is inclusion of bilateral wrists from the same patients, which may affect statistical independence and interpretation.
Study Summary
Eighty-four patients with bilateral moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) (168 wrists) were randomized to receive ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections or landmark-guided injections. The primary outcomes of interest were symptom severity and functional status measured by the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ-SSS and BCTQ-FSS). Secondary outcomes included grip strength, median nerve cross-sectional area, flattening ratio, and electrophysiological parameters. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 1 month, and 6 months. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both groups showed significant improvements in all clinical and electrophysiological outcomes, with no significant differences between groups. These findings suggest that both ultrasound-guided and landmark-guided injections are equally effective for moderate CTS, although ultrasound guidance may reduce minor complications.
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