When Is It Safe to Operate After Therapeutic Carpal Tunnel Injections?

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472110172
Author(s):  
Omolola Fakunle ◽  
Kevin X. Farley ◽  
Emily L. DeMaio ◽  
Michael B. Gottschalk ◽  
Eric R. Wagner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Corticosteroid Injection ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Univariate Analysis ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Preoperative Period ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Surgical Site Complications ◽  
Corticosteroid Injections ◽  
Number Of Injections

Background Recent studies suggest increased complications when surgery closely follows corticosteroid injection. The purpose of this study was to understand the occurrence of surgical site infection (SSI), wound complications, and reoperation rates after carpal tunnel release (CTR) when corticosteroid injections were given within 180 days preoperatively. Methods Data were collected from the Truven MarketScan database from 2009 to 2018. Cohorts were created based on preoperative timing of injection (<30, 30-60, 61-90, 91-180 days) and number of injections (0, 1, 2, 3+). Logistic regression was performed to assess the contribution of preoperative injections on 90-day surgical site complications and 1-year reoperation while controlling for demographics and comorbidities. Results Overall, 223 899 patients underwent CTR. Of these, 17 391 (7.76%) had a preoperative injection in the 180 days preceding surgery. Univariate analysis demonstrated a relationship between timing of injections and noninfectious wound complications ( P = .006) and rate of 1-year reoperation ( P = .045). Univariate analysis demonstrated a relationship between number of injections and 1-year reoperation ( P < .001). On multivariate analysis, those receiving injections within 30 days preoperatively had increased rates of SSI ( P = .034) and noninfectious wound complications ( P = .006) compared with those with no injection or at other time points. Patients with 2 ( P = .002) or 3 or more injections ( P < .001) in the 180-day preoperative period had increased odds of 1-year reoperation. Conclusion Our study suggests increased risk of SSI, wound complications, and 1-year reoperation when corticosteroid injections are administered in the 30-day preoperative period. In addition, multiple steroid injections may increase the risk of 1-year reoperation.

Diagnostic Value of a Carpal Tunnel Corticosteroid Injection in Patients with Negative Electrodiagnostic Studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian M. Katt ◽  
Casey Imbergamo ◽  
Fortunato Padua ◽  
Joseph Leider ◽  
Daniel Fletcher ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Corticosteroid Injection ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
False Negative ◽  
False Negative Rate ◽  
Signs And Symptoms ◽  
Diagnostic Value ◽  
Symptom Improvement ◽  
Study Cohort ◽  
Chi Square Analysis

Abstract Introduction There is a known false negative rate when using electrodiagnostic studies (EDS) to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This can pose a management dilemma for patients with signs and symptoms that correlate with CTS but normal EDS. While corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel has been used in this setting for diagnostic purposes, there is little data in the literature supporting this practice. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the prognostic value of a carpal tunnel corticosteroid injection in patients with a normal electrodiagnostic study but exhibiting signs and symptoms suggestive of carpal tunnel, who proceed with a carpal tunnel release. Materials and Methods The group included 34 patients presenting to an academic orthopedic practice over the years 2010 to 2019 who had negative EDS, a carpal tunnel corticosteroid injection, and a carpal tunnel release. One patient (2.9%), where the response to the corticosteroid injection was not documented, was excluded from the study, yielding a study cohort of 33 patients. Three patients had bilateral disease, yielding 36 hands for evaluation. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square analysis for nonparametric data. Results Thirty-two hands (88.9%) demonstrated complete or partial relief of neuropathic symptoms after the corticosteroid injection, while four (11.1%) did not experience any improvement. Thirty-one hands (86.1%) had symptom improvement following surgery, compared with five (13.9%) which did not. Of the 32 hands that demonstrated relief following the injection, 29 hands (90.6%) improved after surgery. Of the four hands that did not demonstrate relief after the injection, two (50%) improved after surgery. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.03). Conclusion Patients diagnosed with a high index of suspicion for CTS do well with operative intervention despite a normal electrodiagnostic test if they have had a positive response to a preoperative injection. The injection can provide reassurance to both the patient and surgeon before proceeding to surgery. Although patients with a normal electrodiagnostic test and no response to cortisone can still do well with surgical intervention, the surgeon should carefully review both the history and physical examination as surgical success may decrease when both diagnostic tests are negative. Performing a corticosteroid injection is an additional diagnostic tool to consider in the management of patients with CTS and normal electrodiagnostic testing.

The long-term follow-up of treatment with corticosteroid injections in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. When are multiple injections indicated?

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 634-639 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Berger ◽  
M. Vermeulen ◽  
J. H. T. M. Koelman ◽  
I. N. van Schaik ◽  
Y. B. W. E. M. Roos
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Corticosteroid Injection ◽  
Initial Response ◽  
Response To Treatment ◽  
Good Outcome ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Corticosteroid Injections

The objective of this prospective study was to investigate the long-term effect of one or more local corticosteroid injections in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome and whether a good response can be predicted. Follow-up visits took place at 3 weeks, 6 months, and 1 year after the first corticosteroid injection. Thirty of the 120 patients (25%) had a good outcome with a single injection, 11 additional patients (9%) needed a second injection, and five patients (4%) needed a third injection to reach a good outcome after 1 year. Of patients with an initial good treatment response, 28 (52%) had a good outcome after 1 year compared with 18 (27 %) who had an initially moderate or no response to treatment. One-third of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome had a long-term beneficial effect from corticosteroid injection, especially when they had a good initial response.

scholarly journals Accuracy of Carpal Tunnel Injection: A Prospective Evaluation of 756 Patients

Hand ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
David P. Green ◽  
Brendan J. MacKay ◽  
Steven J. Seiler ◽  
Michael T. Fry
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Corticosteroid Injection ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Therapeutic Modality ◽  
Injection Technique ◽  
Anatomic Landmarks ◽  
Injection Techniques ◽  
Open Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Tunnel Injection

Background: Corticosteroid injection into the carpal tunnel is both a diagnostic test and a therapeutic modality in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Many injection techniques are described in the literature. Improper placement of injection may result in damage to neurovascular structures in the carpal canal or decrease efficacy of the test and/or therapy. The purpose of this study is to determine if carpal tunnel injection using anatomic landmarks is reproducible and safe. A review of the senior author’s injection technique is presented. Methods: Over 8 years, there were 756 attempted placements of a 25-gauge needle into the carpal tunnel in a simulated carpal tunnel injection prior to open carpal tunnel release. The needle was inserted at the wrist crease, just ulnar to palmaris longus. Open carpal tunnel release was subsequently performed, and position of the needle was recorded. Results: In 572 patients (75.7%), the needle was found to be in the carpal tunnel without penetration of contents. The needle was in the carpal tunnel but piercing the median nerve in 66 attempts (8.7%). The carpal tunnel was missed in 118 attempts (15.6%). Conclusions: This is the largest study looking at accuracy of carpal tunnel injection using anatomic landmarks. Our injection accuracy (75.7%) is less than reported in previous studies, which note 82% to 100% accuracy using the same injection technique. This may indicate that carpal tunnel injection is less reliable than previously thought. Safety of carpal tunnel injection remains an important concern. The median nerve was penetrated in 8.7% of attempts.

Median Nerve Injury in Ultrasound-Guided Hydrodissection and Corticosteroid Injections for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yi-Chih Hsu ◽  
Fu-Chi Yang ◽  
Hsian-He Hsu ◽  
Guo-Shu Huang
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Median Nerve ◽  
Clinical Data ◽  
Vascular Injury ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Corticosteroid Injection ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Flattening Ratio ◽  
Median Nerve Injury ◽  
Corticosteroid Injections

Abstract Purpose Permanent nerve damage after corticosteroid injection has been suggested when symptoms of median nerve injury (MNI) are irreversible. We assess the outcomes of MNI and their association with ultrasonography (US)-guided hydrodissection and the following corticosteroid injection for symptomatic carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Methods US-guided hydrodissection and the following corticosteroid injections were administered to 126 CTS patients. Occurrence of MNI, clinical data, and post-hydrodissection findings were evaluated. Post-hydrodissection findings included vascular injury during hydrodissection, altered echogenicity, reduced flattening ratio, and increased cross-sectional area of the MN at the inlet of the carpal tunnel (MN-CSA-Inlet) on ultrasonography after hydrodissection. The relevance of MNI with respect to these clinical data and findings was determined. The outcome was rated using Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores. Results Nine patients suffered MNI (incidence, 7.1 %) but improved significantly at follow-up. Clinical data and vascular injury during hydrodissection, altered echogenicity, and reduced flattening ratio after hydrodissection were unrelated to prolonged transient MNI (p > 0.05). MNI was significantly associated with increased CSA (p = 0.005). A CSA increase > 2 mm2 after hydrodissection yielded the greatest performance (0.979) for MNI in the receiver operating characteristic analysis. Decreases in BCTQ scores after injection did not differ significantly between groups with and without MNI (p > 0.05). Conclusion MNI during hydrodissection may be reversible. MNI is indicated by an increase in MN-CSA-inlet immediately after hydrodissection.

scholarly journals The SToICAL trial: study protocol for the soft tissue injection of corticosteroid and local anaesthetic trial—a single site, non-inferiority randomised control trial evaluating pain after soft tissue corticosteroid injections with and without local anaesthetic

Trials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Jones ◽  
J. Evans ◽  
S. Fullilove ◽  
E. Doyle ◽  
C. Gozzard
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Local Anaesthetic ◽  
Corticosteroid Injection ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
Corticosteroid Injections

Abstract Background Corticosteroid injections are used in the treatment of hand and wrist conditions. The co-administration of a local anaesthetic and corticosteroid aims to reduce pain after the injection, although no studies have directly compared this with using corticosteroid alone. The aim is to determine whether pain experienced during the 24 h after a corticosteroid injection to the hand and wrist is no worse than (not inferior to) the pain experienced after a corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injection. Methods A single-site, patient- and assessor-blinded, non-inferiority randomised control trial recording pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores in patients with a clinical diagnosis of trigger finger, de Quervains tenosynovitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, treated with a 1-ml triamcinolone (40 mg/1 ml) injection co-administered with or without 1 ml of 1% lidocaine. The primary aim is to investigate a difference in pain VAS scores at 1 h after the injection using a mean change score. A 95% power calculation was made using a minimally clinical important difference of 20 mm as the clinically admissible margin of non-inferiority and an assumed standard deviation of 25 mm, from previous studies. Including a 20% fall out rate, 100 patients are required. Discussion Patients with a clinical diagnosis of trigger finger, de Quervains and carpal tunnel syndrome, are over the age 18 years old and who are able to give written informed consent will be included. Patients will be excluded if they have had previous surgery or corticosteroid injection for the condition being treated at the site considered for injection. Patients will be electronically randomised and injections delivered during their clinic appointment. Pain is assessed using a 100-mm VAS score taken, before and at the time of injection and at 5 min, 1 h, 2 h, 3 h and 24 h after the injection. The secondary outcomes are to determine a difference in pain VAS score at the time of injection and during the 24 h after. Trial registration This study is registered on the IRAS (259336) on November 11, 2019, and EudraCT database on October 31, 2019 (2019-003742-32). REC/HRA approval was given in January 2020, and Clinical Trial Authorisation from the MHRA was given in December 2019. The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04253457) on February 5, 2020.

scholarly journals The Association of Perioperative Glycemic Control With Postoperative Surgical Site Infection Following Open Carpal Tunnel Release in Patients With Diabetes

Hand ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian C. Werner ◽  
Victor A. Teran ◽  
Jourdan Cancienne ◽  
D. Nicole Deal
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Site Infection ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Hba1c Level ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
International Classification Of Diseases ◽  
Diabetic Patients ◽  
Site Infection ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Open Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Hba1c Levels

Background: The primary goal of the study was to evaluate the association of hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels in diabetic patients with the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) following open carpal tunnel release (CTR). Our secondary objective was to calculate an HbA1c level in diabetic patients that predicted SSI after open CTR. Methods: A national private-payer insurance database was queried for patients who underwent open CTR using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) code 64721. Patients who underwent concomitant procedures were excluded. Diabetic patients who had their HbA1c level checked within 3 months of surgery were stratified into 6 mutually exclusive groups based on HbA1c levels in 1.0 mg/dL increments from <6.0 to >10 mg/dL. The incidence of SSI was determined for each group by either a diagnosis or procedure for SSI within 1 year using CPT and International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision (ICD-9) codes. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine an HbA1c level above which the risk of postoperative SSI was significantly increased. Results: 7958 diabetic patients who underwent open CTR and had an HbA1c recorded within 3 months of surgery were assessed. The incidence of SSI within 1 year was associated with HbA1c levels. The inflection point of the ROC curve corresponded to an HbA1c level between 7 and 8 mg/dL. Conclusions: Increased HbA1c levels are associated with increased SSI rates in diabetic patients undergoing open CTR. A perioperative HbA1c between 7 and 8 mg/dL could serve as a threshold for an increased risk of SSI following open CTR.

scholarly journals The Incidence of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome in Simultaneous Surgical Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Dupuytren Contracture

Hand ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 391-394 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitchell Buller ◽  
Steven Schulz ◽  
Morton Kasdan ◽  
Bradon J. Wilhelmi
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Pain Syndrome ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Dupuytren Contracture

Background: To determine the incidence of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in the concurrent surgical treatment of Dupuytren contracture (DC) and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) through a thorough review of evidence available in the literature. Methods: The indices of 260 hand surgery books and PubMed were searched for concomitant references to DC and CTS. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated the outcome of patients treated with simultaneous fasciectomy or fasciotomy for DC and carpal tunnel release using CRPS as a complication of treatment. Of the literature reviewed, only 4 studies met the defined criteria for use in the study. Data from the 4 studies were pooled, and the incidence of recurrence and complications, specifically CRPS, was noted. Results: The rate of CRPS was found to be 10.4% in the simultaneous treatment group versus 4.1% in the fasciectomy-only group. This rate is nearly half the 8.3% rate of CRPS found in a randomized trial of patients undergoing carpal tunnel release. Conclusions: Our analysis demonstrates a marginal increase in the occurrence of CRPS by adding the carpal tunnel release to patients in need of fasciectomy, contradicting the original reports demonstrating a much higher rate of CRPS. This indicates that no clear clinical risk is associated with simultaneous surgical treatment of DC and CTS. In some patients, simultaneous surgical management of DC and CTS can be accomplished safely with minimal increased risk of CRPS type 1.

scholarly journals The SToICAL Trial: Study Protocol for the Soft Tissue Injection of Corticosteroid and Local Aneasthetic Trial – A Single Site, Non-Inferiority Randomised Control Trial Evaluating Pain After Soft Tissue Corticosteroid Injections with and without Local Anaesthetic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt Jones ◽  
Jonathan Evans ◽  
Charles Gozzard ◽  
Sue Fullilove ◽  
Edmund Doyle
Keyword(s):  
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Local Anaesthetic ◽  
Corticosteroid Injection ◽  
Randomised Control Trial ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome ◽  
Vas Scores ◽  
Corticosteroid Injections

Abstract BackgroundCorticosteroid injections are used in the treatment of hand and wrist conditions. The co-administration of a local anaesthetic and corticosteroid aims to reduce pain after the injection, although no studies have directly compared this with using corticosteroid alone. The aim is to determine whether pain experienced during the 24 hours after a corticosteroid injection to the hand and wrist is no worse than (not inferior to) the pain experienced after a corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injection. MethodsA single site, patient and assessor blinded, non-inferiority randomised control trial recording pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores in patients with a clinical diagnosis of trigger finger, de Quervains tenosynovitis or carpal tunnel syndrome, treated with a 1ml Triamcinolone (40mg/1ml) injection co-administered with or without 1ml of 1% Lidocaine. The primary aim is to investigate a difference in pain VAS scores at 1-hour after the injection using a mean change score.A 95% power calculation was made using a minimally clinical important difference of 20mm as the clinically admissible margin of non-inferiority and an assumed standard deviation of 25mm, from previous studies. Including a 20% fall out rate, 100 patients are required. DiscussionPatients with a clinical diagnosis of trigger finger, de Quervains and carpal tunnel syndrome, are over the age 18 years old and who are able to give written informed consent will be included. Patients will be excluded if they have had previous surgery or corticosteroid injection for the condition being treated at the site considered for injection.Patients will be electronically randomised and injections delivered during their clinic appointment. Pain is assessed using a 100mm VAS score taken; before and at the time of injection, and at 5-minutes, 1-hour, 2-hours, 3-hours and 24-hours after the injection. The secondary outcomes are to determine a difference in pain VAS score at the time of injection and during the 24-hours after.Trial registrationThis study is registered on the IRAS (259336) on November 11, 2019 and EudraCT database on October 31, 2019 (2019-003742-32). REC/HRA approval was given in January 2020 and Clinical Trial Authorisation from the MHRA was given in December 2019. The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04253457) on February 5, 2020.(https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04253457?term=stoical+study&draw=2&rank=1)

scholarly journals Effects of perineural steroid injections on median nerve conduction during the carpal tunnel release

2008 ◽  
Vol 65 (11) ◽  
pp. 825-829 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nenad Stepic ◽  
Marjan Novakovic ◽  
Vesna Martic ◽  
Dusan Peric
Keyword(s):  
Median Nerve ◽  
Carpal Tunnel ◽  
Corticosteroid Injection ◽  
Carpal Tunnel Release ◽  
Surgical Decompression ◽  
Time Intervals ◽  
Steroid Injections ◽  
Compressive Neuropathy ◽  
Perineural Injection ◽  
Tunnel Syndrome

Background/Aim. The treatment outcome of the median nerve compressive neuropathy in the carpal zone due to carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is represented by recovering the nerves sensibility, conductivity, condition and strength. Perineural application of betamethasone during the surgical decompression might result in faster recovery of compressed median nerve's conduction speed. Methods. In this study 40 patients with CTS were randomly divided in the two groups. In the first group (n = 20) we performed the surgical decompression of the median nerve by the open release of the carpal tunnel, and in the second group (n = 20) we applicated a perineural injection of 1 ml of betamethason immediately after the surgical decompression. We performed the electrodiagnostic (ED) examinations 7, 30 and 90 days after the surgery, and measured the conduction speed of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel zone and the sensitivity conduction speed of the median nerve. Results. Significant differences in examined ED respective variable values in different time intervals were obtained. At the final measurements, 90 days after the surgical procedure, both groups evidenced a full recovery of the conduction speed in the carpal tunnel with statistically significant better results in the second group of the patients (t = -2.116; p = 0.043). Conclusion. Intraoperative application of the corticosteroid injection during the surgical decompression results in faster regaining of conduction speed of the median nerve.

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