Open Access
CC BY 4.0 · Arch Plast Surg 2023; 50(04): 398-408
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769739
Hand/Peripheral Nerve
Original Article

The Influence of Corticosteroid Injections on Postoperative Outcomes of Carpal Tunnel Release: A Systematic Review

Authors

  • Ali Kumaş 

    1   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands

  • Milly van de Warenburg 

    1   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands

  • Tinatin Natroshvili 

    1   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands

  • Marius Kemler 

    1   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands

  • Mahyar Foumani 

    1   Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Martini Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Abstract

Background Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with corticosteroid injections (CIs) and surgery. In this systematic review, the influence of previous CI on different postoperative outcomes after carpal tunnel release is evaluated.

Methods A systematic literature search using several databases was performed to include studies that examined patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome who received preoperative or intraoperative CIs.

Results Of 2,459 articles, 9 were eligible for inclusion. Four papers reported outcomes of preoperative and four outcomes of intraoperative CIs. One study evaluated patients who received both intraoperative and preoperative corticosteroids.

Conclusion Intraoperative CIs are associated with reduced postoperative pain after carpal tunnel release and support earlier recovery of the hand function that can be objectified in a faster median nerve conduction speed recovery and lower Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores. Using preoperative CIs did not lead to enhanced recovery after carpal tunnel release, and both preoperative and intraoperative CIs might be predisposing factors for infections.

Keywords

carpal tunnel - corticosteroid injection - outcome

Authors' Contributions

A.K.: writer, article selector, analyzer, and the main researcher.

M.W.: editing manuscript and article selection.

T.N.: first supervisor and editor and helped in with analyzing.

M.K.: second supervisor and editor.

M.F.: second supervisor, editor, head of project, and main leader.


Ethical Approval

Since this study is a systematic review, Ethical approval was not required.


Patient Consent

Since this study is a systematic review, Patient Consent was not required.




Publication History

Received: 25 December 2022

Accepted: 15 April 2023

Article published online:
02 August 2023

© 2023. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

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