Platelet-rich plasma versus corticosteroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome.

BACKGROUND

Platelet-rich plasma therapy has the potential to promote peripheral nerve regeneration through the autologous supply of growth factors. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of platelet-rich plasma injections with the effects of corticosteroid injections in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

METHODS

In total, 40 patients with mild carpal tunnel syndrome were equally divided into two groups. Nerve conduction studies were carried out, and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire was administered to both groups before treatment. One group of patients received platelet-rich plasma injections, and the patients in the other group received corticosteroid injections into the carpal tunnel. The patients were followed for 6 months. After 3 and 6 months, the nerve conduction studies and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire were repeated.

RESULTS

Although distal motor latencies did not change in either of the groups during the follow-up period, improvements in sensory nerve conduction were recorded after 3 months in both groups. However, there was no significant difference between the groups in the nerve conduction studies. In the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire, both the symptom severity score and the functional capacity score of the platelet-rich plasma group were significantly better than those of the corticosteroid group after 3 months, although there were no significant differences after 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Platelet-rich plasma injections may be considered for the temporary symptomatic relief of mild carpal tunnel syndrome.