Affiliations: [a] Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Clinic, Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey | [b] Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Clinic, Okmeydanı Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey | [c] Istanbul Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey | [d] Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Bahar Dernek, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman Hastanesi Halkalı İstanbul, Turkey. Tel.: +90 212 404 1500; E-mail:bahardernek@gmail.com
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a commonly seen
peripheral nerve mononeuropathy. Corticosteroid injection within the carpal
tunnel is among the conservative treatment options. The exact mechanism of
action of steroids is not fully clear; decreased inflammation surrounding
nerves or tendons is thought to be the main effect. Lidocaine has been shown
to have anti-inflammatory effects on certain cells (monocytes, macrophages,
neutrophils etc.). The aim of this study is to evaulate the efficacy of
lidocaine treatment as a alternative to corticosteroid treatment in carpal
tunnel syndrome.
METHODS: A total of 67 carpal tunnel syndrome patients who
were diagnosed with physical examination and EMG were evaluated. Twenty-nine
patients received a mixture of normal saline solution and lidocaine (0.5 cc
of normal saline solution and 0.5 cc of lidocaine) while 38 patients were
administered betamethasone dipropionate (1 cc). Quick DASH (Disabilities of
the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) and Visual Analog Scale (VAS) scores were noted
in 1st, 3rd and 6th month follow-ups.
RESULTS: There were no significant difference between saline
solution + Lidocaine group and betamethasone dipropionate groups; initial,
1st, 3rd and 6th month VAS scores and QDASH scores (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Considering the potential side effects of
corticosteroid, lidocaine injection is a good alternative treatment of
carpal tunnel syndrome instead of corticosteroids.
