Corticosteroid injection for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To compare low and high dose, and short and long acting corticosteroids in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.


METHODS
A randomised, controlled, single blind trial with electromyographic and subjective outcome measures.


RESULTS
25 mg hydrocortisone is as effective as higher doses or long acting triamcinolone at a six week and six month follow up.


CONCLUSIONS
As low dose steroid is as effective, and potentially less toxic, this should be the recommended dose for injection of carpal tunnel syndrome.
O'Gradaigh
D
D
Department of Rheumatology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK.
Merry
P
P
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007267:Injections; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014221:Triamcinolone / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D014221:Triamcinolone; D006854:Hydrocortisone