Effect of corticosteroid injections on carpal tunnel syndrome with mild EMG results

Corticosteroid Injection Effectiveness in Carpel Tunnel Patients With Negative or Mild EMG

Observational Henry Ford Health System · NCT04737239

This study is testing if corticosteroid injections can help people with carpal tunnel syndrome who have mild or negative EMG results feel better and improve their daily function.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment300 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHenry Ford Health System Academic / other
Locations1 site (Detroit, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT04737239 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of corticosteroid injections in patients diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) who have negative or mild electromyography (EMG) studies. The study will utilize the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire to assess symptom severity and functional status in these patients following their injections. Data will be collected retrospectively, focusing on the duration of symptom improvement post-treatment. The goal is to better understand how corticosteroid injections can benefit this specific patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are English-speaking adults aged 18 and older who have been clinically diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome and have negative or mild EMG studies.

Not a fit: Patients who have moderate or severe EMG findings, previous wrist trauma, or prior treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide valuable insights into the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with negative or mild EMG findings, potentially leading to improved management strategies.

How similar studies have performed: This study addresses a novel area of inquiry, as there are currently no existing studies examining corticosteroid injection effectiveness in patients with negative EMG results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients who speak English
* Patients who are 18 years or older
* Patients who are clinically diagnosed with CTS
* Patients who have a negative or mild EMG study
* Patients who receive a corticosteroid injection after obtaining a negative or mild EMG study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who do not speak English
* Patients who are younger than 18 years of age
* Patients who have experienced previous trauma to the wrist
* Patients who have had previous treatment for CTS including but not limited to corticosteroid injection or surgery
* Patients with a moderate or severe EMG study

Where this trial is running

Detroit, Michigan

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 Carpal Tunnel Syndromecorticosteroid injectionelectromyography
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.