Corticosteroid Injection Produces More-Rapid Improvement Than Does Splinting for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

In primary care, carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) usually is diagnosed based on history and physical findings. Unless CTS is severe, it usually is treated empirically with either night splints or corticosteroid injections, but their comparative effectiveness is unclear.

Researchers recruited 234 adults with new untreated episodes of mild-to-moderate CTS of at least 6 weeks' duration diagnosed by standard clinical criteria who were seen at primary care or community musculoskeletal clinics in England. Each participant was randomized to a single landmark-guided injection of methylprednisolone (20 mg) or a night splint to be worn for 6 weeks. A standardized survey was used to measure symptom severity and functional limitation at baseline and at 6 we…