Comparative Evaluation of High-power Laser versus Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Corticosteroid Injection on Symptoms and Function in Patients with Mild to Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Comparison of the effectiveness of high-power laser versus corticosteroid injection in improving the function and symptoms of patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome

The study is a randomized, controlled, parallel-group, single-blind trial involving 40 patients. Block randomization with blocks of four was used, and Excel software was employed for randomization.

Patients with mild and moderate carpal tunnel syndrome who visit the physical medicine clinics of Imam Khomeini and Sina hospitals during the study period and meet the inclusion criteria will be enrolled in the study. They will be randomly assigned to either the intervention or control group using block randomization method with block size of 4. This study will be conducted in a single -blind manner, such that physicians, and data analysts will be unaware of the type of intervention.

Inclusion Criteria: Age > 18, Mild to moderate CTS (based on nerve conduction study) Exclusion Criteria: Surgical indication, Neurological disorders, pregnancy, infection, malignancy, Allergy or contraindication to corticosteroids, Prior CTS surgery or corticosteroid injection in the last 6 months

Intervention: Six sessions of high-power laser therapy were applied to the flexor retinaculum of the affected wrist. The patient sat comfortably with the forearm on the table. Both patient and physician wore protective goggles. The scanner probe was moved back and forth over the area for five minutes. Treatment followed a specific carpal tunnel protocol (30 Hz, 1.5 W, 30 J/cm²), conducted over three weeks, every other day. Control: Standard treatment with a 1 ml injection of 40 mg triamcinolone at the distal wrist crease

Boston Questionnaire Score, Pain and Numbness Severity, Patient Satisfaction, Median Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) Findings

randomized (block randomization method with the block size 4 using Excel software), phase 4 on 40 patients

This was a single-blind study. A physician (specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation), who was unaware of the treatment group of each patient, was responsible for the initial electrodiagnostic assessment and for collecting data from all patients (including demographic data, pain intensity [VAS], Boston questionnaire, grip strength, and electrodiagnostic findings). Another physician performed high-power laser therapy, and a therapist administered the cortisone injections, both of whom were blinded to the patients’ group assignments. The patients themselves were not blinded to the treatment they received.

“There is no more information available.”