The effectiveness of single-dose blinded platelet-rich plasma (PRP) vs. corticosteroid injection in mild-to-moderate...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy and patients suffer from nocturnal paresthesia, numbness, and weakness. The many different methods used in the treatment of CTS include physical therapy modalities, oral medication, exercises, or injections. However, no single method has been shown to be superior to others. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness in the relief of CTS symptoms of single-dose platelet-rich plasma injection (PRP) vs. corticosteorid (CS) injection.

The study included 78 wrists of 59 female patients with mild to moderate CTS, who were randomly assigned to one of the two groups for a single dose PRP or CS injection. All the injections were administered by the same physician. Evaluations at the end of one and six months were performed by a different physician who was blinded to the groups. The patient evaluations were made using the Boston carpal tunnel questionnaire (BTCQ), grip strength, provocation tests and electrophysiological parameters.

No significant differences were determined between the groups in terms of BTCQ, grip strengths and provocation tests. All the electrophysiological parameters improved in the CS group, and all except amplitudes in the PRP group. Mid-long term (1st-6th month follow-up) improvements in velocities were observed only in the PRP group.

Platelet-rich plasma injection did not seem to be superior to CS injection.

clinicaltrials. gov (NCT04000932).