Synergistic effect of local corticosteroid injection(LCI) with extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT) in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS): A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Abstract Background: Applying extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) injection in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) management is gaining momentum. The objective is to actualize the topic of this study. Methods: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, forty patients with mild to moderate CTS are divided into two sham-ESWT and ESWL groups subject to LCI(Local corticosteroid Injection). The first group received four sessions of sham-ESWT weekly, which involved sound but no energy; the second group received ESWT at equal intervals and were assessed for pain score (VAS score) and symptoms (GSS) baseline, 1st month, 3rd month, and 6th month. Results: A considerable improvement is observed in both groups for pain at (P<0.05) and symptoms at (P<0.05) in the 3rd month. The second group revealed more significant symptom improvement at (P<0.05) in the 6th month. Conclusion: The ESWT + LCI combined therapy course is the first line of treatment in patients with mild to moderate symptoms and leads to control and reduction of symptoms and the need for surgery, thus a primary concern in CTS treatment with an orthopedist.