Comparison of surgical out come between virgin carpal tunnel syndrome and previous local steroid injected tunnel

Abstract

Carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS) is the most commonly occurring peripheral nerve compression neuropathy and its condition characterized by an abnormality of the median nerve function due to compression of the nerve within the carpal tunnel. Surgical release of the transverse carpal ligament is an effective treatment for patients with CTS. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diuretics, vitamin B6 injection, ultrasound therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, magnetic therapy, bracing and local steroid injections have been used for closed treatment of CTS and effective results in the short-term treatment have been demonstrated clearly only for bracing and local steroid injections. Aim: was to identify the effect of local steroid injection on the outcome of surgical release of CTS. A prospective study that was conducted in the Orthopedic Department of at Basra General Hospital during the period from 1st of July 2005 till end of September 2006 on 40 patients, 20 of them with received local steroid injection (group A) and 20 without local steroid injection (group B virgin carpal tunnel) operations done to release the tunnel with monthly follow up by telephone call because of social and security problems at time of study. Pearson’s Chi–square test was used to assess statistical association between injection of local steroid and outcome of CTS surgery. A level of P – value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Postoperatively, in Group A, night pain and grip power were found to be improved in 17 (85%) and 11 (55%) of women, respectively, while 16 (80%) relieved from night pain, paresthesia and numbness. On the other hand, the postoperative follow up of women in group B showed that the improvement of night pain was occurred in 20 cases (90%), relieving of night pain, paresthesia and numbness in 17 (85%), and improvement of grip power was reported in 12 (60%). The analysis of association didn’t show statistical significant difference (P > 0.05) in surgical outcome between study groups. In conclusion; local steroid injection for CTS prior to surgery didn’t affect outcome of surgical release.