Relation between Latency Changes and Functional Outcome in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Insights from Local Corticosteroid Injection Therapy

Abstract Background: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a compression neuropathy of the upper limb, caused by entrapment of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel at the wrist. Treatment with local corticosteroid injection helps improve electrophysiological parameters and functional outcomes. Aim: The aim of this study was to find out the correlation between latency changes and functional outcomes after local corticosteroid injection in mild–moderate idiopathic CTS. Methods: This prospective experimental study was done on 55 patients attending the physical medicine and rehabilitation outpatient department from January 2021 to July 2023. A total of 55 patients with diagnosed CTS fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected for the study. Patients were given local corticosteroid injection in the carpal tunnel. All the participants were evaluated by nerve conduction study for latency changes and the Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire for functional outcome at 0 week, 4 th week and 6 th week. Demographic factors were expressed as frequencies. Paired t -test was used to assess continuous variables, and change in categorical outcome variables was assessed using the McNemar Chi-square test. The level of statistical significance was considered P < 0.05. Results: A total of 55 patients with CTS were analysed. They showed a significant improvement in mean latency changes and functional outcomes. Furthermore, a moderate correlation between latency changes and functional outcomes was obtained. Conclusion: The study concluded that the local corticosteroid injection used was effective in pain relief and improving functional status. Furthermore, the improvement of nerve conduction parameters and its relation with functional outcome independently support the idea of the effectiveness of treatment with local corticosteroid injection.