The Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial

• DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab109
• Publication Date: 2021-03-19T12:10:52Z
• Authors: Yu-Chi Su; Yu-Ping Shen; Tsung-Ying Li; Tsung-Yen Ho; Liang-Cheng Chen; Yung-Tsan Wu
• Keywords: Retinaculum; Outpatient clinic

Abstract Objectives To investigate the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) in patients diagnosed with mild or moderate carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Design A prospective randomized, double-blinded control study 6 months follow-up. Setting Rehabilitation outpatient clinic one single medical center. Subjects Thirty-five participants CTS. Methods Participants were enrolled and randomly assigned to HA groups. The group received ultrasound-guided perineural injection 2.5 mL while normal saline through in-plane, long-axis approach separate median nerve from flexor retinaculum via hydrodissection. Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ) scores primary outcome, secondary outcomes included numeric rating scale (NRS), electrophysiological domains, cross-sectional area nerve. assessment was conducted prior during second week 1-, 3-, 6-months post-injection. Results Thirty-two (17 wrists 15 group) completed study. Compared group, did not show significantly superior outcomes, except BCTQ NRS at post-injection (all P < .0125). Conclusions ultrasound guided may have short-term therapeutic efficacy for CTS; however, 2-weeks beneficial chronic neuropathy. Further studies larger sample sizes are required verify its efficacy.