ePoster
Presentation Description
Institution: Joondalup Health Campus - Western Australia, Australia
Introduction/Aim:
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy, resulting from median nerve compression within the carpal tunnel of the wrist. Surgical decompression remains the definitive treatment for CTS refractory to conservative management. Corticosteroids are commonly used preoperatively for symptomatic relief and are occasionally administered intraoperatively to reduce postoperative inflammation and pain. However, the benefits of routine intraoperative corticosteroid use in open carpal tunnel release remains unclear. This literature review aims to evaluate the current evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of intraoperative corticosteroid use in open carpal tunnel release.
Methods:
Major databases such as PubMed and ScienceDirect were searched using the terms “intraoperative corticosteroids” and “open carpal tunnel release”. Data from randomised controlled trials, cohort studies and systemic reviews were summarized and critically appraised. The following key outcomes were included – postoperative pain, symptoms resolution, functional recovery, recurrence rates, and complications such as wound infection and delayed healing.
Results:
The literature suggests that intraoperative corticosteroid use may provide short-term benefits – reducing early postoperative pain and improving symptom relief in the immediate recovery period. Several studies demonstrated earlier functional recovery. However, in terms of long-term outcomes, there was no difference in recurrence rates or overall functional recovery. Of note, across the reviewed studies there was no consistent increase in wound complications or infection rates.
Conclusion:
Current evidence suggests that intraoperative corticosteroid use may offer short-term postoperative benefits without increased complication risk. However, there is significant heterogeneity of the study designs, steroid types and dosing. High-quality prospective randomised trials are necessary to truly evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative corticosteroid use as a standardised practice in carpal tunnel release.
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Dr Kimberley Krish - , Dr Daniel Luo -
