Comparing ultrasound-guided injections to surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Injection With Traditional Median Nerve Decompression Surgery in Patients With Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Randomized Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University · NCT06243848

This study is testing whether ultrasound-guided injections or small surgery works better to relieve symptoms for people with carpal tunnel syndrome.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorAfyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Afyonkarahisar)
Trial IDNCT06243848 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided perineural injections of the median nerve with minimal incision surgery for median nerve decompression in patients diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes sensory and motor symptoms due to compression of the median nerve. Participants will be evaluated based on their symptoms and electrophysiological testing to determine the severity of their condition. The study will assess which treatment option provides better relief from symptoms and improves function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome for more than three months, confirmed through electrophysiological testing.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions mimicking carpal tunnel syndrome or those who have had prior carpal tunnel surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide patients with a less invasive treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome that may lead to quicker recovery and fewer complications.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been various approaches to treating carpal tunnel syndrome, this specific comparison of ultrasound-guided injections versus surgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The presence of symptoms such as nocturnal, posture-related, or movement-related paresthesias, along with possible pain, in the area supplied by the median nerve in the hand, lasting for more than 3 months.
* Confirmation of mild, moderate or severe CTS through electrophysiological testing.
* Numbness and loss of sensation in the hand's regions innervated by the median nerve, as well as weakness in the thenar muscles innervated by the median nerve.
* Positive results on either the Phalen test and/or Tinel sign.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who may exhibit symptoms mimicking carpal tunnel syndrome, such as cervical radiculopathy, polyneuropathy, brachial plexopathy, or thoracic outlet syndrome.
* Patients who have received a previous injection into the carpal tunnel within the past 6 months.
* Thenar muscle atrophy.
* A history of prior carpal tunnel surgery.
* Regular usage of systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids.
* Pregnancy
* Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, gout, systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, or polymyositis.
* Malignancy.
* Active infections

Where this trial is running

Afyonkarahisar

Study contacts

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 Musculoskeletal DiseasesMedian Nerve DiseaseCarpal Tunnel SyndromeUltrasound-Guided InjectionSurgeryMedian Nerve Decompression
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.