Comparing systemic and local corticosteroid treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome

Systemic Versus Local Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Prospective Randomised Controlled Non-inferiority Study.

Not applicable Interventional Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires · NCT06272682

This study is testing whether a shot of corticosteroids in the muscle or a targeted injection in the wrist works better for relieving symptoms in people with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment106 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorHospital Italiano de Buenos Aires Academic / other
Locations1 site (Buenos Aires)
Trial IDNCT06272682 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intramuscular corticosteroid injections versus local ultrasound-guided infiltration in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. Participants aged 18 and older will be randomly assigned to receive either treatment, and their outcomes will be assessed using the Boston score. The study will also monitor adverse effects and pain at the injection site for both methods. By comparing these two approaches, the research seeks to determine the most effective treatment for alleviating symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with mild to moderate idiopathic carpal tunnel syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with severe carpal tunnel syndrome or those with systemic diseases causing secondary carpal tunnel syndrome may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide clearer guidance on the most effective corticosteroid treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with corticosteroid treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome, but this specific comparison of systemic versus local administration is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged 18 years and older
* Clinical diagnosis of mild/moderate idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (paresthesias in the territory of the median nerve: in fingers 1, 2, 3 and radial border of 4 of the hand, nocturnal hand pain, and Positive Tinel's test, or Positive Phalen's test, or Positive Durkan's test)
* Diagnosis by electromyography and sensory and motor conduction velocity of mild/moderate involvement
* Patients who have agreed to participate in the study and signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cervical radiculopathy, polyneuropathy, brachial plexus pathologies, thoracic operculum syndrome
* Systemic diseases causing secondary Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes with polyneuropathy, hypothyroidism with low adherence to treatment, chronic renal disease)
* Chronic corticosteroid therapy or regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
* Severe carpal tunnel syndrome: signs of thenar atrophy, daytime pain, sensory deficit in median nerve territory (two-point discrimination test \>10mm)
* Previous history of wrist or distal radius fracture
* Corticosteroid allergies
* Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Buenos Aires

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Carpal Tunnel Syndromeclinical trialcorticosteroid infiltrationcarpal tunnel syndromebetamethasone
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.