Local corticosteroid injections improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome
Musculoskeletal
Resource Type: Question and Answer
Author: NZGG
Published: September 2007
Question
How effective are local corticosteroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)?
Bottom Line
Local corticosteroid injections for CTS provide greater clinical improvement in symptoms one month after injection compared to placebo (NNT* 2). They also provide significantly greater clinical improvement compared to oral corticosteroids up to three months after treatment. Two injections do not provide significant further clinical improvement of symptoms. (*NNT = number needed to treat to benefit one individual.)
Caveat
Significant symptom relief beyond one month has not been demonstrated.
Context
CTS is a common problem with a prevalence of 3.8 per cent in the general population. Up to one third of patients can have spontaneous improvement in their symptoms without any formal medical treatment.