Nerve hydrodissection for carpal tunnel syndrome: A prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

Abstract

Introduction: In this study we explored the efficacy of nerve hydrodissection for mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Methods: Thirty-four participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. One 5-ml dose of normal saline was injected into the intracarpal and subcutaneous regions in subjects of both groups, respectively. The primary outcome measure was the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) score. Secondary outcomes were cross-sectional area of the median nerve and electrophysiological studies. Assessments were performed before the injection and at 1, 2, 3, and 6 months postintervention.

Results: Compared with the control group, the intervention group showed significantly greater improvement at the second and third posttreatment months according to BCTQ severity score and at all time-points for cross-sectional area of the median nerve (P < 0.01).

Discussion: Our study demonstrates the therapeutic effects of nerve hydrodissection for mild-to-moderate CTS. Muscle Nerve 59:174-180, 2019.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02991001.

Keywords: carpal tunnel syndrome; entrapment; nerve hydrodissection; perineural injection; ultrasound-guided.