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.

CONCLUSION

As low dose steroid is as effective, and potentially less toxic, this should be the recommended dose for injection of carpal tunnel syndrome.