Aims: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common compression neuropathy of the median nerve at the wrist. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical and electrophysiological efficacy of phonophoresis in comparison to local corticostreoid injections in patients with moderate CTS.

Material and methods: 36 patients were recruited in this prospective clinical study. The patients were randomized in two groups. In group-A, the patients were treated with corticosteroid phonophoresis for 10 min/3 times a week for three weeks. In group-B, the patients were treated with local betametazone injections at the carpal tunnel. All of the patients in the groups were given night splints in neutral position. Boston Symptom Severity Scale (BSSS) was used to evaluate the symptoms of the patients. Grip strength was detected by Jamar hand dynamometer and a pinchmeter was used to measure lateral, palmar and tip pinch strength. The patients were evaluated before treatment and at the 3rd months.

Results: The BSSS scores improved in each group in comparison to 3rd month results (p<0.001).The lateral and palmar pinch strength of the patients? in group-A improved at 3rd month (respectively p<0.01and p<0.05), while the palmar pinch of the patients? in group-B improved at 3rd month (p<0.05).In group B, sensory conduction velocity of the median nerve and DML (distal motor latency) improved at 3rd month (p<0.05).

Conclusions: These results showed that either corticosteroid phonophoresis or injections improved the symptoms in both group and also we observed positive effects of injection on electrophysiological parameters. Both methods can be effective and should be keep in mind for patients with CTS.

Carpal tunnel syndrome Phonophoresis Corticosteroid injections