Intraoperative Steroid Irrigation in Carpal Tunnel

Abstract

Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common neuropathy of the upper limb due to compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Objectives: to test the benefit of steroid irrigation of the wound to alleviate the post operative pain. Methods: Forty patients had carpal tunnel release were divided into two groups with and without steroid irrigation. Results: Forty patients 38 female and 2 male with forty CTS had open surgical release were studied for postoperative pain at the wrist area. Group 1 (patients treated with surgery alone) and group 2 (patients treated with surgery and steroid).In group1, 11 patients (55%) had persistent agonizing pain at the ulnar side of the wrist not responding to analgesic. In group2 none of the patients experienced such type of pain. Conclusion: Steroid irrigation has beneficial effect on post operative pain with no added drawbacks.