SynthesisLangenbeck's archives of surgery2025
Comparing the efficacy of ultrasound-guided versus anatomical localization for corticosteroid injection in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Langenbeck's archives of surgery, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
1 citing paper in PubMed.
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
2 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
backgroundCarpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) remains a pervasive condition, often resulting in functional impairment and pain. This study examines whether ultrasound guidance enhances the efficacy and safety of corticosteroid injections for CTS compared to traditional injections based on anatomical landmarks.
methodsThis meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. We performed a systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library up to September 19, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing ultrasound-guided(US) versus landmark-guided(LM) corticosteroid injections for CTS were included. Data were synthesized using a random-effects model.
resultsEight RCTs were included in the analysis. US was associated with a significant reduction in BCTQ symptom severity scores (Standardized Mean Difference [SMD] = -0.32, 95% CI -0.44 to -0.20; I²=0%) and functional status scores (SMD = -0.21, 95% CI -0.31 to -0.10; I²=0%). Nerve injury events were rare; while the direction of effect favored US, the evidence was too sparse to permit a reliable pooled estimate.
conclusionsUS corticosteroid injections provide modest, consistent improvements in symptoms and function over landmark techniques. Safety signals directionally favor US, but adverse-event data are sparse and not definitive.
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