Steroid injection and splinting in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Thirty-five hands in 30 consecutive patients with carpal tunnel syndrome confirmed by nerve conduction velocity, 2-point discrimination <6 mm, and no thenar weakness were injected with corticosteroid. Patients underwent follow-up at 3, 6, 12, and 18 months or until symptoms recurred. Symptomatic relief obtained at 3 months was 34% and only 11% at 12 and 18 months. No correlation with clinical response and age, duration of symptoms, or sex was noted.