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Metacarpal Small Incision for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Published on: April 5, 2024
Digital ischemia after carpal tunnel injection: a case report
Jeffrey M Payne1, Jeffrey S Brault
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|August 5, 2008
Summary
A corticosteroid injection for carpal tunnel syndrome caused hand ischemia in a patient. Prompt treatment resolved symptoms, but nerve damage was noted, highlighting an uncommon adverse event.
Area of Science:
- Hand surgery
- Neurology
- Radiology
Background:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition causing hand paresthesias.
- Corticosteroid injections are frequently used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
Observation:
- A patient developed hand ischemia, characterized by coolness and discoloration, immediately following a corticosteroid and lidocaine injection.
- Follow-up revealed persistent burning and digit blotchiness, with imaging showing a single deep palmar arch.
Findings:
- Electromyography and nerve conduction studies indicated bilateral median neuropathies, more severe on the right.
- The patient underwent successful carpal tunnel release and returned to work without restrictions.
Implications:
- This case highlights an uncommon adverse event (hand ischemia) associated with carpal tunnel injections.
- The etiology may involve vasospasm, warranting further investigation into injection-related complications.
- This underscores the importance of recognizing and managing rare adverse events in common procedures.
