Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided vs direct approach corticosteroid injections for carpal tunnel syndrome: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Objective: To compare the outcomes of ultrasound-guided vs direct approach corticosteroid injection in patients with idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled study. Wrists affected by carpal tunnel syndrome were randomized to the ultrasound-guided (n = 22 wrists) or direct approach injection group (n = 17 wrists) before receiving 1 ml Betamethasone. Outcome measures were physical findings and electrodiagnostic parameters assessed at 1, 3 and 6 months after injection. Complications were also recorded. Results: Both groups showed improvement through-out the follow-up period after injections, in physical findings and in most electrodiagnostic parameters (all p