Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
Orthopaedic Proceedings Logo

Receive monthly Table of Contents alerts from Orthopaedic Proceedings

Comprehensive article alerts can be set up and managed through your account settings

View my account settings

Visit Orthopaedic Proceedings at:

Loading...

Loading...

Full Access

Research

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME, NERVE CONDUCTION STUDIES AND STEROID INJECTIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME IN A DISTRICT GENERAL HOSPITAL

West of Scotland Research Society (WOSORS) - Glasgow Meeting of Orthopaedic Research (GLAMOR)



Abstract

Utilization of nerve conduction studies in the investigation and management of carpal tunnel syndrome varies according to their perceived usefulness and availability. The use of steroid injections and splinting also varies according to service availability and their perceived effectiveness. We present a three year follow up of 230 patients managed in an environment where nerve conduction testing was not readily available. The majority received splinting and a steroid injection in an effort to manage their symptoms conservatively in the first instance.

Our results show that a clear majority of patients who were treated with initial splinting and steroid injections saw a recurrence of their symptoms (71.9% and 79.7% respectively) requiring eventual surgical decompression. These results would seem to suggest that conservative management of carpal tunnel does not produce the desired curative results and that there may be an argument for proceeding directly to surgery.

We also showed that 55% of patients referred for Nerve Conduction Studies seem to progress to surgical decompression. This would seem to suggest that Nerve Conduction Studies could form a robust part of the standard investigation of carpal tunnel in order to identify those who would benefit from surgery.


Correspondence should be sent to: Mr R Dolan; email: