Ultrasound-guided needle release plus dextrose (D5W) hydrodissection for carpal tunnel syndrome

Efficacy of Combining Ultrasound-Guided Needle Release of Transverse Carpal Ligament and Median Nerve Dextrose Water Hydrodissection for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

NA · Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital · NCT07324005

This trial tests whether combining ultrasound-guided partial release of the transverse carpal ligament with dextrose (D5W) hydrodissection provides better symptom relief for adults with carpal tunnel syndrome and at least moderate symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment102 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorShin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (Taipei)
Trial IDNCT07324005 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Adults with clinically and electrodiagnostically confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome and persistent symptoms will receive one of three ultrasound-guided interventions: D5W perineural hydrodissection alone, ultrasound-guided partial release of the transverse carpal ligament with D5W injected to the ligament, or partial release plus D5W perineural hydrodissection. Procedures are performed under ultrasound guidance and outcomes will include symptom/pain scores and electrodiagnostic measures collected during follow-up. Key exclusions include alternative neuropathies, prior wrist surgery or corticosteroid injections, pregnancy- or hypothyroidism-onset CTS, dextrose allergy, and wrists anatomically unsuitable for needle release. The study compares the size and durability of symptom and functional improvements across the three techniques.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20–80 with clinical and electrodiagnostic confirmation of carpal tunnel syndrome, a pain/paresthesia NRS of 3 or higher, and symptoms lasting at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with polyneuropathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, brachial plexopathy, inflammatory arthropathy, CTS onset during pregnancy or hypothyroidism, prior corticosteroid injection or wrist surgery, hypersensitivity to dextrose, or wrist anatomy unsuitable for needle release are unlikely to benefit or be eligible.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the combined minimally invasive approach could offer longer-lasting symptom relief and improved nerve function without open surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have reported longer-term benefits for D5W and PRP compared with corticosteroids and some promise for percutaneous transverse carpal ligament release, but the combination of needle release with D5W hydrodissection is relatively novel and not well established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age between 20 to 80 years old
* diagnosed with CTS on the basis of clinical condition and an electrophysiological analysis
* the NRS of pain or paresthesia≧3
* with symptoms lasting for a minimum of 3 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of polyneuropathy, thoracic outlet syndrome, brachial plexopathy, or inflammatory arthropathy
* onset of CTS during pregnancy, hypothyroidism, or systemic infection
* previous corticosteroid injection or wrist surgery for CTS
* hypersensitivity to dextrose injection
* the anatomic structure of the wrist is not suitable for needle release of TCL.

Where this trial is running

Taipei

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Dextrose, Carpal Tunnel Release, Ultrasound, Nerve Hydrodissection Therapy, dextrose, carpal tunnel release, ultrasound

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.