Trial Outcomes & Findings for Injection Versus Splinting in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (NCT NCT02038452)

NCT ID: NCT02038452

Last Updated: 2023-03-21

Results Overview

Comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment). BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE4

Target enrollment

234 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

6 weeks

Results posted on

2023-03-21

Participant Flow

Patients were recruited from 25 General Practices and community musculoskeletal clinics between 17/04/2014 and 31/12/2016.

Patients with a positive carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) diagnosis were assessed for eligibility by the GP/clinician based on the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Patients who were interested in trial participation were then seen by appropriate member of the clinical team who explained the trial in full, and were asked to provide written informed consent. 750 patients were assessed for eligibility. 405 were eligible and 234 subsequently consented to randomisation.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Steroid Injection
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Overall Study
STARTED
116
118
Overall Study
Baseline
113
117
Overall Study
6 Weeks Follow-up
108
109
Overall Study
6 Months Follow-up
96
97
Overall Study
12 Months Follow-up
87
88
Overall Study
24 Months Follow-up
78
81
Overall Study
COMPLETED
78
81
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
38
37

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
Steroid Injection
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Overall Study
Withdrawal by Subject
7
9
Overall Study
Lost to Follow-up
31
28

Baseline Characteristics

Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant.

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Total
n=234 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
My hand or wrist problem has major consequences on my life
Disagree
19 Participants
n=116 Participants
22 Participants
n=118 Participants
41 Participants
n=234 Participants
Age, Continuous
52.6 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 17.0 • n=116 Participants
52.2 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 14.9 • n=118 Participants
52.4 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 15.9 • n=234 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
73 Participants
n=116 Participants
81 Participants
n=118 Participants
154 Participants
n=234 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
43 Participants
n=116 Participants
37 Participants
n=118 Participants
80 Participants
n=234 Participants
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected
0 Participants
Race and Ethnicity were not collected from any participant.
Region of Enrollment
United Kingdom
116 participants
n=116 Participants
118 participants
n=118 Participants
234 participants
n=234 Participants
First time diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome
Yes
97 Participants
n=116 Participants
102 Participants
n=118 Participants
199 Participants
n=234 Participants
First time diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome
No
16 Participants
n=116 Participants
15 Participants
n=118 Participants
31 Participants
n=234 Participants
First time diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
4 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
N/A
97 Participants
n=116 Participants
102 Participants
n=118 Participants
199 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
1
11 Participants
n=116 Participants
8 Participants
n=118 Participants
19 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
2
1 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
2 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
3
0 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
0 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
More than 3
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
4 Participants
n=118 Participants
7 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
Missing
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
3 Participants
n=118 Participants
7 Participants
n=234 Participants
Hand or wrist previously affected by carpal tunnel syndrome
N/A
97 Participants
n=116 Participants
102 Participants
n=118 Participants
199 Participants
n=234 Participants
Hand or wrist previously affected by carpal tunnel syndrome
Right
6 Participants
n=116 Participants
3 Participants
n=118 Participants
9 Participants
n=234 Participants
Hand or wrist previously affected by carpal tunnel syndrome
Left
1 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
3 Participants
n=234 Participants
Hand or wrist previously affected by carpal tunnel syndrome
Both
8 Participants
n=116 Participants
9 Participants
n=118 Participants
17 Participants
n=234 Participants
Hand or wrist previously affected by carpal tunnel syndrome
Missing
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment for previous carpal tunnel syndrome
N/A
97 participants
n=116 Participants
102 participants
n=118 Participants
199 participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment for previous carpal tunnel syndrome
Steroid injection
3 participants
n=116 Participants
4 participants
n=118 Participants
7 participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment for previous carpal tunnel syndrome
Wrist splint
7 participants
n=116 Participants
4 participants
n=118 Participants
11 participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment for previous carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel decompression
3 participants
n=116 Participants
2 participants
n=118 Participants
5 participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment for previous carpal tunnel syndrome
Ultrasound
1 participants
n=116 Participants
1 participants
n=118 Participants
2 participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment for previous carpal tunnel syndrome
Exercises
0 participants
n=116 Participants
0 participants
n=118 Participants
0 participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment for previous carpal tunnel syndrome
Vitamin supplements
0 participants
n=116 Participants
1 participants
n=118 Participants
1 participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment for previous carpal tunnel syndrome
Changes in workplace
0 participants
n=116 Participants
0 participants
n=118 Participants
0 participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment for previous carpal tunnel syndrome
Other
1 participants
n=116 Participants
0 participants
n=118 Participants
1 participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment for previous carpal tunnel syndrome
None
5 participants
n=116 Participants
8 participants
n=118 Participants
13 participants
n=234 Participants
Steroid injection into a joint other than wrist if previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
N/A
97 Participants
n=116 Participants
102 Participants
n=118 Participants
199 Participants
n=234 Participants
Steroid injection into a joint other than wrist if previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
Yes
9 Participants
n=116 Participants
9 Participants
n=118 Participants
18 Participants
n=234 Participants
Steroid injection into a joint other than wrist if previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
No
7 Participants
n=116 Participants
6 Participants
n=118 Participants
13 Participants
n=234 Participants
Steroid injection into a joint other than wrist if previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
4 Participants
n=234 Participants
Usefulness of injection into other joint if previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
N/A
104 Participants
n=116 Participants
108 Participants
n=118 Participants
212 Participants
n=234 Participants
Usefulness of injection into other joint if previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
Of great help
7 Participants
n=116 Participants
7 Participants
n=118 Participants
14 Participants
n=234 Participants
Usefulness of injection into other joint if previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
Of some help
1 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
2 Participants
n=234 Participants
Usefulness of injection into other joint if previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
Of little help
0 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
0 Participants
n=234 Participants
Usefulness of injection into other joint if previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
Of no help
1 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
2 Participants
n=234 Participants
Usefulness of injection into other joint if previously had carpal tunnel syndrome
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
4 Participants
n=234 Participants
Which problematic hand or wrist
Right
36 Participants
n=116 Participants
37 Participants
n=118 Participants
73 Participants
n=234 Participants
Which problematic hand or wrist
Left
19 Participants
n=116 Participants
20 Participants
n=118 Participants
39 Participants
n=234 Participants
Which problematic hand or wrist
Both
57 Participants
n=116 Participants
59 Participants
n=118 Participants
116 Participants
n=234 Participants
Which problematic hand or wrist
Missing
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
If both hands problematic, which hand was worse
N/A
55 Participants
n=116 Participants
57 Participants
n=118 Participants
112 Participants
n=234 Participants
If both hands problematic, which hand was worse
Right
25 Participants
n=116 Participants
24 Participants
n=118 Participants
49 Participants
n=234 Participants
If both hands problematic, which hand was worse
Left
13 Participants
n=116 Participants
19 Participants
n=118 Participants
32 Participants
n=234 Participants
If both hands problematic, which hand was worse
No difference
7 Participants
n=116 Participants
3 Participants
n=118 Participants
10 Participants
n=234 Participants
If both hands problematic, which hand was worse
Missing
16 Participants
n=116 Participants
15 Participants
n=118 Participants
31 Participants
n=234 Participants
Dominant hand
Right
99 Participants
n=116 Participants
99 Participants
n=118 Participants
198 Participants
n=234 Participants
Dominant hand
Left
12 Participants
n=116 Participants
16 Participants
n=118 Participants
28 Participants
n=234 Participants
Dominant hand
Missing
5 Participants
n=116 Participants
3 Participants
n=118 Participants
8 Participants
n=234 Participants
Duration of hand or wrist problems
<3 months
19 Participants
n=116 Participants
17 Participants
n=118 Participants
36 Participants
n=234 Participants
Duration of hand or wrist problems
3-6 months
37 Participants
n=116 Participants
33 Participants
n=118 Participants
70 Participants
n=234 Participants
Duration of hand or wrist problems
6 months-1 year
22 Participants
n=116 Participants
27 Participants
n=118 Participants
49 Participants
n=234 Participants
Duration of hand or wrist problems
>1 year
34 Participants
n=116 Participants
39 Participants
n=118 Participants
73 Participants
n=234 Participants
Duration of hand or wrist problems
Missing
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
How did your hand or wrist problems start
Suddenly
33 Participants
n=116 Participants
17 Participants
n=118 Participants
50 Participants
n=234 Participants
How did your hand or wrist problems start
Gradually
79 Participants
n=116 Participants
99 Participants
n=118 Participants
178 Participants
n=234 Participants
How did your hand or wrist problems start
Missing
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
Particular position causes hand or wrist problems
Yes
50 Participants
n=116 Participants
62 Participants
n=118 Participants
112 Participants
n=234 Participants
Particular position causes hand or wrist problems
No
62 Participants
n=116 Participants
54 Participants
n=118 Participants
116 Participants
n=234 Participants
Particular position causes hand or wrist problems
Missing
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
Curently taking pain relief
Yes
36 Participants
n=116 Participants
34 Participants
n=118 Participants
70 Participants
n=234 Participants
Curently taking pain relief
No
77 Participants
n=116 Participants
83 Participants
n=118 Participants
160 Participants
n=234 Participants
Curently taking pain relief
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
4 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times a day taking pain relief
N/A
77 Participants
n=116 Participants
83 Participants
n=118 Participants
160 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times a day taking pain relief
1
7 Participants
n=116 Participants
8 Participants
n=118 Participants
15 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times a day taking pain relief
2
13 Participants
n=116 Participants
5 Participants
n=118 Participants
18 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times a day taking pain relief
3
5 Participants
n=116 Participants
5 Participants
n=118 Participants
10 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times a day taking pain relief
4
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
5 Participants
n=118 Participants
8 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times a day taking pain relief
5
0 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
1 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of times a day taking pain relief
Missing
11 Participants
n=116 Participants
11 Participants
n=118 Participants
22 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of days per week taking pain relief
N/A
77 Participants
n=116 Participants
83 Participants
n=118 Participants
160 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of days per week taking pain relief
1
0 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
0 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of days per week taking pain relief
2
1 Participants
n=116 Participants
4 Participants
n=118 Participants
5 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of days per week taking pain relief
3
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
3 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of days per week taking pain relief
4
1 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
1 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of days per week taking pain relief
5
2 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
4 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of days per week taking pain relief
6
0 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
0 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of days per week taking pain relief
7
14 Participants
n=116 Participants
7 Participants
n=118 Participants
21 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of days per week taking pain relief
Missing
18 Participants
n=116 Participants
22 Participants
n=118 Participants
40 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of weeks in a month taking pain relief
N/A
77 Participants
n=116 Participants
83 Participants
n=118 Participants
160 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of weeks in a month taking pain relief
1
1 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
1 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of weeks in a month taking pain relief
2
2 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
3 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of weeks in a month taking pain relief
3
1 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
1 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of weeks in a month taking pain relief
4
17 Participants
n=116 Participants
9 Participants
n=118 Participants
26 Participants
n=234 Participants
Number of weeks in a month taking pain relief
Missing
18 Participants
n=116 Participants
25 Participants
n=118 Participants
43 Participants
n=234 Participants
In a current paid job
Yes
58 Participants
n=116 Participants
74 Participants
n=118 Participants
132 Participants
n=234 Participants
In a current paid job
No
55 Participants
n=116 Participants
42 Participants
n=118 Participants
97 Participants
n=234 Participants
In a current paid job
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
5 Participants
n=234 Participants
If not in a current paid job, describe current position
N/A
58 participants
n=116 Participants
74 participants
n=118 Participants
132 participants
n=234 Participants
If not in a current paid job, describe current position
Retired
38 participants
n=116 Participants
29 participants
n=118 Participants
67 participants
n=234 Participants
If not in a current paid job, describe current position
Student
3 participants
n=116 Participants
1 participants
n=118 Participants
4 participants
n=234 Participants
If not in a current paid job, describe current position
Looking after children/home
12 participants
n=116 Participants
9 participants
n=118 Participants
21 participants
n=234 Participants
If not in a current paid job, describe current position
Unemployed
3 participants
n=116 Participants
7 participants
n=118 Participants
10 participants
n=234 Participants
If not in a current paid job, describe current position
Voluntary worker
2 participants
n=116 Participants
0 participants
n=118 Participants
2 participants
n=234 Participants
Typical weekly working hours
N/A
55 Participants
n=116 Participants
42 Participants
n=118 Participants
97 Participants
n=234 Participants
Typical weekly working hours
Full time
39 Participants
n=116 Participants
47 Participants
n=118 Participants
86 Participants
n=234 Participants
Typical weekly working hours
Part time
18 Participants
n=116 Participants
27 Participants
n=118 Participants
45 Participants
n=234 Participants
Typical weekly working hours
Missing
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
Describes current situation in respect of your job
N/A
55 Participants
n=116 Participants
42 Participants
n=118 Participants
97 Participants
n=234 Participants
Describes current situation in respect of your job
Doing my usual job
50 Participants
n=116 Participants
62 Participants
n=118 Participants
112 Participants
n=234 Participants
Describes current situation in respect of your job
On paid annual leave/holiday
2 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
3 Participants
n=234 Participants
Describes current situation in respect of your job
Working fewer hours
1 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
3 Participants
n=234 Participants
Describes current situation in respect of your job
Doing lighter duties
1 Participants
n=116 Participants
6 Participants
n=118 Participants
7 Participants
n=234 Participants
Describes current situation in respect of your job
On paid sick leave
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
3 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
Describes current situation in respect of your job
On unpaid sick leave
0 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
0 Participants
n=234 Participants
Describes current situation in respect of your job
Missing
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
If not doing usual job/annual leave, is this due to your hand or wrist problems
N/A
105 Participants
n=116 Participants
105 Participants
n=118 Participants
210 Participants
n=234 Participants
If not doing usual job/annual leave, is this due to your hand or wrist problems
Yes
2 Participants
n=116 Participants
4 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
If not doing usual job/annual leave, is this due to your hand or wrist problems
No
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
6 Participants
n=118 Participants
9 Participants
n=234 Participants
If not doing usual job/annual leave, is this due to your hand or wrist problems
Missing
6 Participants
n=116 Participants
3 Participants
n=118 Participants
9 Participants
n=234 Participants
Taken time off work during the last 6 months for your hand or wrist problems
N/A
55 Participants
n=116 Participants
42 Participants
n=118 Participants
97 Participants
n=234 Participants
Taken time off work during the last 6 months for your hand or wrist problems
Yes
8 Participants
n=116 Participants
5 Participants
n=118 Participants
13 Participants
n=234 Participants
Taken time off work during the last 6 months for your hand or wrist problems
No
49 Participants
n=116 Participants
69 Participants
n=118 Participants
118 Participants
n=234 Participants
Taken time off work during the last 6 months for your hand or wrist problems
Missing
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
I feel my welfare is important to my employer
N/A
104 Participants
n=116 Participants
111 Participants
n=118 Participants
215 Participants
n=234 Participants
I feel my welfare is important to my employer
Strongly disagree
0 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
0 Participants
n=234 Participants
I feel my welfare is important to my employer
Disagree
0 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
0 Participants
n=234 Participants
I feel my welfare is important to my employer
Agree
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
3 Participants
n=118 Participants
7 Participants
n=234 Participants
I feel my welfare is important to my employer
Strongly agree
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
I feel my welfare is important to my employer
Missing
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
Which treatment would you prefer
Strongly prefer wrist injection
13 Participants
n=116 Participants
13 Participants
n=118 Participants
26 Participants
n=234 Participants
Which treatment would you prefer
Somewhat prefer wrist injection
11 Participants
n=116 Participants
21 Participants
n=118 Participants
32 Participants
n=234 Participants
Which treatment would you prefer
No preference
65 Participants
n=116 Participants
60 Participants
n=118 Participants
125 Participants
n=234 Participants
Which treatment would you prefer
Somewhat prefer night splints
12 Participants
n=116 Participants
8 Participants
n=118 Participants
20 Participants
n=234 Participants
Which treatment would you prefer
Strongly prefer night splints
6 Participants
n=116 Participants
10 Participants
n=118 Participants
16 Participants
n=234 Participants
Which treatment would you prefer
Missing
9 Participants
n=116 Participants
6 Participants
n=118 Participants
15 Participants
n=234 Participants
If you had received wrist injection, would you expect your symptoms to improve
Yes
69 Participants
n=116 Participants
70 Participants
n=118 Participants
139 Participants
n=234 Participants
If you had received wrist injection, would you expect your symptoms to improve
No
0 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
2 Participants
n=234 Participants
If you had received wrist injection, would you expect your symptoms to improve
Not sure
39 Participants
n=116 Participants
41 Participants
n=118 Participants
80 Participants
n=234 Participants
If you had received wrist injection, would you expect your symptoms to improve
Missing
8 Participants
n=116 Participants
5 Participants
n=118 Participants
13 Participants
n=234 Participants
If you received night splint, would you expect your symptoms to improve
Yes
46 Participants
n=116 Participants
40 Participants
n=118 Participants
86 Participants
n=234 Participants
If you received night splint, would you expect your symptoms to improve
No
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
4 Participants
n=118 Participants
7 Participants
n=234 Participants
If you received night splint, would you expect your symptoms to improve
Not sure
58 Participants
n=116 Participants
69 Participants
n=118 Participants
127 Participants
n=234 Participants
If you received night splint, would you expect your symptoms to improve
Missing
9 Participants
n=116 Participants
5 Participants
n=118 Participants
14 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem will last for a long time
Strongly disagree
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
3 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem will last for a long time
Disagree
7 Participants
n=116 Participants
8 Participants
n=118 Participants
15 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem will last for a long time
Neither agree nor disagree
45 Participants
n=116 Participants
51 Participants
n=118 Participants
96 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem will last for a long time
Agree
44 Participants
n=116 Participants
42 Participants
n=118 Participants
86 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem will last for a long time
Strongly agree
14 Participants
n=116 Participants
12 Participants
n=118 Participants
26 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem will last for a long time
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
5 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem has major consequences on my life
Strongly disagree
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
10 Participants
n=118 Participants
14 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem has major consequences on my life
Neither agree nor disagree
26 Participants
n=116 Participants
30 Participants
n=118 Participants
56 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem has major consequences on my life
Agree
41 Participants
n=116 Participants
37 Participants
n=118 Participants
78 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem has major consequences on my life
Strongly agree
23 Participants
n=116 Participants
17 Participants
n=118 Participants
40 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem has major consequences on my life
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
5 Participants
n=234 Participants
There is a lot that I can do to control my hand or wrist problems
Strongly disagree
12 Participants
n=116 Participants
9 Participants
n=118 Participants
21 Participants
n=234 Participants
There is a lot that I can do to control my hand or wrist problems
Disagree
21 Participants
n=116 Participants
31 Participants
n=118 Participants
52 Participants
n=234 Participants
There is a lot that I can do to control my hand or wrist problems
Neither agree nor disagree
48 Participants
n=116 Participants
42 Participants
n=118 Participants
90 Participants
n=234 Participants
There is a lot that I can do to control my hand or wrist problems
Agree
30 Participants
n=116 Participants
32 Participants
n=118 Participants
62 Participants
n=234 Participants
There is a lot that I can do to control my hand or wrist problems
Strongly agree
2 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
4 Participants
n=234 Participants
There is a lot that I can do to control my hand or wrist problems
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
5 Participants
n=234 Participants
What I can do determines whether my hand or wrist problems gets better or worse
Strongly disagree
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
4 Participants
n=118 Participants
8 Participants
n=234 Participants
What I can do determines whether my hand or wrist problems gets better or worse
Disagree
11 Participants
n=116 Participants
14 Participants
n=118 Participants
25 Participants
n=234 Participants
What I can do determines whether my hand or wrist problems gets better or worse
Neither agree nor disagree
40 Participants
n=116 Participants
32 Participants
n=118 Participants
72 Participants
n=234 Participants
What I can do determines whether my hand or wrist problems gets better or worse
Agree
49 Participants
n=116 Participants
57 Participants
n=118 Participants
106 Participants
n=234 Participants
What I can do determines whether my hand or wrist problems gets better or worse
Strongly agree
9 Participants
n=116 Participants
9 Participants
n=118 Participants
18 Participants
n=234 Participants
What I can do determines whether my hand or wrist problems gets better or worse
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
5 Participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment can control my hand or wrist problem
Strongly disagree
0 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
0 Participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment can control my hand or wrist problem
Disagree
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
0 Participants
n=118 Participants
3 Participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment can control my hand or wrist problem
Neither agree nor disagree
20 Participants
n=116 Participants
35 Participants
n=118 Participants
55 Participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment can control my hand or wrist problem
Agree
74 Participants
n=116 Participants
71 Participants
n=118 Participants
145 Participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment can control my hand or wrist problem
Strongly agree
16 Participants
n=116 Participants
9 Participants
n=118 Participants
25 Participants
n=234 Participants
Treatment can control my hand or wrist problem
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
3 Participants
n=118 Participants
6 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem affects me emotionally
Strongly disagree
10 Participants
n=116 Participants
18 Participants
n=118 Participants
28 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem affects me emotionally
Disagree
17 Participants
n=116 Participants
19 Participants
n=118 Participants
36 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem affects me emotionally
Neither agree nor disagree
17 Participants
n=116 Participants
21 Participants
n=118 Participants
38 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem affects me emotionally
Agree
40 Participants
n=116 Participants
45 Participants
n=118 Participants
85 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem affects me emotionally
Strongly agree
29 Participants
n=116 Participants
13 Participants
n=118 Participants
42 Participants
n=234 Participants
My hand or wrist problem affects me emotionally
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
5 Participants
n=234 Participants
Been bother by feeling down, depressed or hopeless
Yes
47 Participants
n=116 Participants
39 Participants
n=118 Participants
86 Participants
n=234 Participants
Been bother by feeling down, depressed or hopeless
No
66 Participants
n=116 Participants
78 Participants
n=118 Participants
144 Participants
n=234 Participants
Been bother by feeling down, depressed or hopeless
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
4 Participants
n=234 Participants
Been bothered by little interest or pleasure in doing things
Yes
39 Participants
n=116 Participants
33 Participants
n=118 Participants
72 Participants
n=234 Participants
Been bothered by little interest or pleasure in doing things
No
74 Participants
n=116 Participants
83 Participants
n=118 Participants
157 Participants
n=234 Participants
Been bothered by little interest or pleasure in doing things
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
5 Participants
n=234 Participants
Diagnosed with hypothyroidism
Yes
5 Participants
n=116 Participants
9 Participants
n=118 Participants
14 Participants
n=234 Participants
Diagnosed with hypothyroidism
No
108 Participants
n=116 Participants
107 Participants
n=118 Participants
215 Participants
n=234 Participants
Diagnosed with hypothyroidism
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
5 Participants
n=234 Participants
Diagnosed with diabetes
Yes
13 Participants
n=116 Participants
8 Participants
n=118 Participants
21 Participants
n=234 Participants
Diagnosed with diabetes
No
99 Participants
n=116 Participants
109 Participants
n=118 Participants
208 Participants
n=234 Participants
Diagnosed with diabetes
Missing
4 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
5 Participants
n=234 Participants
Any other conditions affecting neck, shoulders or elbows
Yes
45 Participants
n=116 Participants
28 Participants
n=118 Participants
73 Participants
n=234 Participants
Any other conditions affecting neck, shoulders or elbows
No
68 Participants
n=116 Participants
88 Participants
n=118 Participants
156 Participants
n=234 Participants
Any other conditions affecting neck, shoulders or elbows
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
5 Participants
n=234 Participants
Had pain anywhere else
Yes
74 Participants
n=116 Participants
72 Participants
n=118 Participants
146 Participants
n=234 Participants
Had pain anywhere else
No
39 Participants
n=116 Participants
45 Participants
n=118 Participants
84 Participants
n=234 Participants
Had pain anywhere else
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
4 Participants
n=234 Participants
Last time you were free of pain
<3 months ago
22 Participants
n=116 Participants
20 Participants
n=118 Participants
42 Participants
n=234 Participants
Last time you were free of pain
3-6 months ago
13 Participants
n=116 Participants
19 Participants
n=118 Participants
32 Participants
n=234 Participants
Last time you were free of pain
6 months-1 year ago
9 Participants
n=116 Participants
23 Participants
n=118 Participants
32 Participants
n=234 Participants
Last time you were free of pain
1-3 years ago
38 Participants
n=116 Participants
23 Participants
n=118 Participants
61 Participants
n=234 Participants
Last time you were free of pain
>3 years ago
31 Participants
n=116 Participants
32 Participants
n=118 Participants
63 Participants
n=234 Participants
Last time you were free of pain
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
4 Participants
n=234 Participants
On average, how often do you drink alcohol
Daily or most days
11 Participants
n=116 Participants
11 Participants
n=118 Participants
22 Participants
n=234 Participants
On average, how often do you drink alcohol
Once or twice a week
38 Participants
n=116 Participants
45 Participants
n=118 Participants
83 Participants
n=234 Participants
On average, how often do you drink alcohol
Once or twice a month
25 Participants
n=116 Participants
22 Participants
n=118 Participants
47 Participants
n=234 Participants
On average, how often do you drink alcohol
Once or twice a year
16 Participants
n=116 Participants
18 Participants
n=118 Participants
34 Participants
n=234 Participants
On average, how often do you drink alcohol
Never
23 Participants
n=116 Participants
21 Participants
n=118 Participants
44 Participants
n=234 Participants
On average, how often do you drink alcohol
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
1 Participants
n=118 Participants
4 Participants
n=234 Participants
What is your current smoking status
Never smoked
55 Participants
n=116 Participants
55 Participants
n=118 Participants
110 Participants
n=234 Participants
What is your current smoking status
Previously smoked
39 Participants
n=116 Participants
48 Participants
n=118 Participants
87 Participants
n=234 Participants
What is your current smoking status
Current smoker
19 Participants
n=116 Participants
13 Participants
n=118 Participants
32 Participants
n=234 Participants
What is your current smoking status
Missing
3 Participants
n=116 Participants
2 Participants
n=118 Participants
5 Participants
n=234 Participants
Has insomnia due to hand or wrist problem
No
46 Participants
n=116 Participants
58 Participants
n=118 Participants
104 Participants
n=234 Participants
Has insomnia due to hand or wrist problem
Yes
70 Participants
n=116 Participants
60 Participants
n=118 Participants
130 Participants
n=234 Participants
To what extent have hand or wrist problems affected your performance at work over the past month
3.8 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.0 • n=116 Participants
4.2 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.9 • n=118 Participants
4.0 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 3.0 • n=234 Participants
Body mass index
30.2 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.6 • n=116 Participants
30.5 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.5 • n=118 Participants
30.4 kg/m2
STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.6 • n=234 Participants
Boston carpal tunnel symptom severity and functional limitations
2.69 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.70 • n=116 Participants
2.65 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.62 • n=118 Participants
2.67 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.66 • n=234 Participants
Boston carpal tunnel symptom severity subscale
2.96 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.66 • n=116 Participants
2.91 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.61 • n=118 Participants
2.94 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.63 • n=234 Participants
Boston carpal tunnel functional limitations subscale
2.32 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.92 • n=116 Participants
2.28 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.84 • n=118 Participants
2.30 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.88 • n=234 Participants
Hand-wrist pain intensity
6.33 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.05 • n=116 Participants
6.12 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.21 • n=118 Participants
6.23 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 2.13 • n=234 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment). BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Symptom Severity and Limitations in Hand Function as Assessed by the BCTQ 6 Weeks
2.02 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.81
2.29 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.75

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Comparison of BCTQ symptom severity between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms). BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity Subscale 6 Weeks
2.12 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.84
2.43 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.76

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Comparison of BCTQ functional limitations between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (1-5 scale, higher score indicates more severe functional impairment). BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Functional Limitations Subscale 6 Weeks
1.88 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.88
2.09 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.86

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Comparison of pain scores between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (0-10 scale, higher score indicates more pain).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Hand-wrist Pain Intensity 6 Weeks
3.42 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.77
4.28 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.73

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Participants were asked four questions how hand and wrist problems affects their sleep. Participants reporting hand and wrist problems affects their sleep on most nights on one or more questions were deemed to have insomnia.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Insomnia Due to Hand-wrist Problems 6 Weeks
No
83 Participants
73 Participants
Insomnia Due to Hand-wrist Problems 6 Weeks
Yes
33 Participants
45 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Participants were asked if they were referred for surgery (carpal tunnel decompression) in the last 6 weeks. Multiple imputation for missing data was performed at 6 weeks. Comparison of outcome between treatment arms planned to adjust for sex, age, and duration of symptoms. Logistic regression was not performed due to small number of 'yes' counts.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Referral for Surgery 6 Weeks
No
112 Participants
113 Participants
Referral for Surgery 6 Weeks
Yes
4 Participants
5 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Participants were asked if they had surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in the last 6 weeks. Multiple imputation for missing data was performed at 6 weeks. Comparison of outcome between treatment arms planned to adjust for sex, age, and duration of symptoms. Logistic regression was not performed due to small number of 'yes' counts.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Surgery 6 Weeks
No
114 Participants
116 Participants
Surgery 6 Weeks
Yes
2 Participants
2 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up (1-5 scale, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment). BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations 6 Months
2.15 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.79
2.06 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.73

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Comparison of BCTQ symptom severity between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up (1-5 scale, higher score indicates more severe symptoms). BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity Subscale 6 Months
2.33 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.86
2.18 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.75

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Comparison of BCTQ functional limitations between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up (1-5 scale, higher score indicates more functional impairment). BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Functional Limitations Subscale 6 Months
1.91 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.84
1.89 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.84

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Comparison of pain scores between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up. 0-10 scale, higher score indicates more pain.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Hand-wrist Pain Intensity 6 Months
4.32 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.26
3.46 units on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.01

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked four questions how hand and wrist problems affects their sleep. Participants reporting hand and wrist problems affects their sleep on most nights on one or more questions were deemed to have insomnia.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Insomnia Due to Hand-wrist Problems 6 Months
No
79 Participants
86 Participants
Insomnia Due to Hand-wrist Problems 6 Months
Yes
37 Participants
32 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they were referred for surgery (carpal tunnel decompression) in the last 6 months.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Referral to Surgery 6 Months
No
94 Participants
104 Participants
Referral to Surgery 6 Months
Yes
22 Participants
14 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they had surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome in the last 6 months.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Surgery 6 Months
No
99 Participants
105 Participants
Surgery 6 Months
Yes
17 Participants
13 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they had bought herbal remedies or vitamins to help with hand or wrist problems in the last 6 months

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Herbal Remedies and Vitamin Use 6 Months
No
109 Participants
111 Participants
Herbal Remedies and Vitamin Use 6 Months
Yes
7 Participants
7 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they bought over the counter paracetamol, ibuprofen or co-codamol to help with hand or wrist problems in the last 6 months.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Over the Counter Pain Medication 6 Months
No
82 Participants
88 Participants
Over the Counter Pain Medication 6 Months
Yes
34 Participants
30 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they were prescribed tablet medication (paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, codeine, tramadol, co-codomal, tramacet, co-proxamol, dihydrocodeine, other) for hand or wrist problem in the last 6 months.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Prescribed Pain Medication 6 Months
No
96 Participants
106 Participants
Prescribed Pain Medication 6 Months
Yes
20 Participants
12 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups across all time points (6 weeks, 6-, 12-, and 24 month follow-up). Scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment. Results are presented at 6 weeks. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=95 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=102 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations Over 24 Months: 6 Weeks
1.95 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.82
2.30 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.77

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups across all time points (6 weeks, 6-, 12-, and 24 month follow-up. Scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment. Results are presented at 6 months. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=83 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=92 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations Over 24 Months: 6 Months
2.08 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.79
2.04 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.72

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12 months

Comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups across all time points (6 weeks, 6-, 12-, and 24 month follow-up). Scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment). Results are presented at 12 months. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=78 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=78 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations Over 24 Months: 12 Months
1.98 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.88
2.05 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.80

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 24 months

Comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups across all time points (6 weeks, 6-, 12-, and 24 month follow-up). Scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment. Results are presented at 24 months. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=70 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=73 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Secondary: BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations Over 24 Months: 24 Months
1.79 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.79
1.73 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.76

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Comparison of pain scores between treatment groups across all time points (6 weeks, 6-, 12-, and 24 month follow-up). Scale 0-10, higher score indicates more pain. Results are presented at 6 weeks.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=105 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=106 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Hand-wrist Pain Intensity Over 24 Months: 6 Weeks
3.33 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.67
4.28 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.62

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Comparison of pain scores between treatment groups across all time points (6 weeks, 6-, 12-, and 24 month follow-up). Scale 0-10, higher score indicates more pain. Results are presented at 6 months.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=92 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=94 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Hand-wrist Pain Intensity Over 24 Months: 6 Months
4.11 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.01
3.29 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.74

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12 months

Comparison of pain scores between treatment groups across all time points (6 weeks, 6-, 12-, and 24 month follow-up). Scale 0-10, higher score indicates more pain. Results are presented at 12 months.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=83 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=85 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Hand-wrist Pain Intensity Over 24 Months: 12 Months
3.17 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.93
3.14 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.74

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 24 months

Comparison of pain scores between treatment groups across all time points (6 weeks, 6-, 12-, and 24 month follow-up). Scale 0-10, higher score indicates more pain. Results are presented at 24 months.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=75 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=77 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Hand-wrist Pain Intensity Over 24 Months: 24 Months
2.81 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.19
2.40 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.83

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Sensitivity analysis for comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=95 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=102 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations 6 Weeks (Complete Case Analysis (CC))
1.95 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.82
2.29 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.77

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Sensitivity analysis for comparison of BCTQ symptom severity between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=104 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=104 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity Subscale 6 Weeks (CC)
2.07 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.83
2.44 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.78

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Sensitivity analysis for comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=96 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=105 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Functional Limitations Subscale 6 Weeks (CC)
1.86 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.91
2.10 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.86

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Sensitivity analysis for comparison of pain scores between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 0-10, higher score indicates more pain) on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=105 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=106 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Hand-wrist Pain Intensity 6 Weeks (CC)
3.33 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.67
4.28 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.62

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Participants were asked four questions how hand and wrist problems affects their sleep. Participants reporting hand and wrist problems affects their sleep on most nights on one or more questions were deemed to have insomnia. Sensitivity analysis for comparison of the odds of insomnia between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=97 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=96 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Insomnia Due to Hand-wrist Problems 6 Weeks (CC)
Yes
22 Participants
34 Participants
Insomnia Due to Hand-wrist Problems 6 Weeks (CC)
No
75 Participants
62 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Sensitivity analysis for comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=83 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=92 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations 6 Months (CC)
2.08 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.79
2.04 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.72

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Sensitivity analysis for comparison of BCTQ symptom severity between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=88 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=94 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity Subscale 6 Months (CC)
2.29 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.87
2.16 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.74

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Sensitivity analysis for comparison of BCTQ function limitations between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=85 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=93 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Functional Limitations Subscale 6 Months (CC)
1.85 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.84
1.88 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.82

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Sensitivity analysis for comparison of pain scores between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up (scale 0-10, higher score indicates more pain) on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=92 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=94 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Hand-wrist Pain Intensity 6 Months (CC)
4.11 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 3.01
3.29 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.74

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked four questions how hand and wrist problems affects their sleep. Participants reporting hand and wrist problems affects their sleep on most nights on one or more questions were deemed to have insomnia. Sensitivity analysis for comparison of the odds of insomnia between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=80 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=86 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Insomnia Due to Hand-wrist Problems 6 Months (CC)
No
60 Participants
68 Participants
Insomnia Due to Hand-wrist Problems 6 Months (CC)
Yes
20 Participants
18 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they were referred for surgery (carpal tunnel decompression) in the last 6 months. Sensitivity analysis for comparison of the odds of insomnia between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=96 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=93 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Referral to Surgery 6 Months (CC)
No
80 Participants
82 Participants
Referral to Surgery 6 Months (CC)
Yes
16 Participants
11 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they had bought herbal remedies or vitamins to help with hand or wrist problems in the last 6 months. Sensitivity analysis for comparison of the odds of herbal remedies and vitamin use between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up on participants with complete data. Complete case analysis as a sensitivity analysis was planned. Comparison of outcome between treatment arms planned to adjust for sex, age, and duration of symptoms. Logistic regression was not performed due to small number of 'yes' counts.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=80 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=83 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Herbal Remedies and Vitamin Use 6 Months (CC)
No
78 Participants
81 Participants
Herbal Remedies and Vitamin Use 6 Months (CC)
Yes
2 Participants
2 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they bought over the counter paracetamol, ibuprofen or co-codamol to help with hand or wrist problems in the last 6 months. Sensitivity analysis for comparison of the odds of medication use between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=80 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=83 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Over the Counter Pain Medication 6 Months (CC)
No
64 Participants
66 Participants
Over the Counter Pain Medication 6 Months (CC)
Yes
16 Participants
17 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they were prescribed tablet medication (paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, codeine, tramadol, co-codomal, tramacet, co-proxamol, dihydrocodeine, other) for hand or wrist problem in the last 6 months. Sensitivity analysis for comparison of the odds of pain medication use between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=82 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=86 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Prescribed Pain Medication 6 Months (CC)
No
70 Participants
79 Participants
Prescribed Pain Medication 6 Months (CC)
Yes
12 Participants
7 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Per protocol analysis for comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=94 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=85 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations 6 Weeks (Per-Protocol Analysis (PP))
1.96 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.84
2.28 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.72

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Per protocol analysis for comparison of BCTQ symptom severity between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=102 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=86 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity Subscale 6 Weeks (PP)
2.07 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.83
2.44 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.74

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Per protocol analysis for comparison of BCTQ functional limitations between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=95 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=87 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Functional Limitations Subscale 6 Weeks (PP)
1.88 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.94
2.06 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.80

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Per protocol analysis for comparison of pain scores between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (higher score indicates more pain) on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=103 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=87 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Hand-wrist Pain Intensity 6 Weeks (PP)
3.33 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.67
4.44 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.50

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Participants were asked four questions how hand and wrist problems affects their sleep. Participants reporting hand and wrist problems affects their sleep on most nights on one or more questions were deemed to have insomnia. Per protocol analysis for comparison of the odds of insomnia between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=95 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=87 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Insomnia Due to Hand-wrist Problems 6 Weeks (PP)
No
74 Participants
57 Participants
Insomnia Due to Hand-wrist Problems 6 Weeks (PP)
Yes
21 Participants
30 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Per protocol analysis for comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=83 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=76 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations 6 Months (PP)
2.09 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.79
2.02 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.69

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Per protocol analysis for comparison of BCTQ symptom severity between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=88 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=78 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity Subscale 6 Months (PP)
2.28 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.86
2.15 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.73

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Per protocol analysis for comparison of BCTQ functional limitations between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=85 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=77 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Functional Limitations Subscale 6 Months (PP)
1.89 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.87
1.84 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.77

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Per protocol analysis for comparison of pain scores between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up (scale 0-10, higher score indicates more pain) on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=92 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=78 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Hand-wrist Pain Intensity 6 Months (PP)
4.11 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.99
3.38 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 2.79

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked four questions how hand and wrist problems affects their sleep. Participants reporting hand and wrist problems affects their sleep on most nights on one or more questions were deemed to have insomnia. Per protocol analysis for comparison of the odds of insomnia between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=81 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=75 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Insomnia Due to Hand-wrist Problems 6 Months (PP)
No
61 Participants
59 Participants
Insomnia Due to Hand-wrist Problems 6 Months (PP)
Yes
20 Participants
16 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they were referred for surgery (carpal tunnel decompression) in the last 6 months. Per protocol analysis for comparison of the odds of surgery between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=94 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=85 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Referral to Surgery at 6 Months (PP)
No
78 Participants
74 Participants
Referral to Surgery at 6 Months (PP)
Yes
16 Participants
11 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they had bought herbal remedies or vitamins to help with hand or wrist problems in the last 6 months. Per protocol analysis for comparison of the odds of herbal remedies and vitamin use between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up on participants with complete data. Per protocol analysis on complete date was planned. Comparison of outcome between treatment arms planned to adjust for sex, age, and duration of symptoms. Logistic regression was not performed due to small number of 'yes' counts.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=81 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=73 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Herbal Remedies and Vitamin Use 6 Months (PP)
No
78 Participants
72 Participants
Herbal Remedies and Vitamin Use 6 Months (PP)
Yes
3 Participants
1 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they bought over the counter paracetamol, ibuprofen or co-codamol to help with hand or wrist problems in the last 6 months. Per protocol analysis for comparison of the odds of medication use between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up on participants with complete data

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=81 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=73 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Over the Counter Pain Medication 6 Months (PP)
No
65 Participants
58 Participants
Over the Counter Pain Medication 6 Months (PP)
Yes
16 Participants
15 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Participants were asked if they were prescribed tablet medication (paracetamol, ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, codeine, tramadol, co-codomal, tramacet, co-proxamol, dihydrocodeine, other) for hand or wrist problem in the last 6 months. Per protocol analysis for comparison of the odds of medication use between treatment groups at 6 months follow-up on participants with complete data.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=83 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=76 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Prescribed Pain Medication 6 Months (PP)
No
70 Participants
70 Participants
Prescribed Pain Medication 6 Months (PP)
Yes
13 Participants
6 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Subgroup analysis was performed in patients who were allocated the intervention of their preference. Comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=24 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=18 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations 6 Weeks (Subgroup Analysis (SG), Intervention of Their Preference)
1.88 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.76
2.19 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.75

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Subgroup analysis was performed in patients who did not receive the intervention of their preference. Comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=18 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=34 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations 6 Weeks (SG, Did Not Receive the Intervention of Their Preference)
2.15 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.91
2.40 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.84

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Subgroup analysis was performed in patients who did not state a preference of intervention. Comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=67 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=61 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations 6 Weeks (SG, Did Not State a Preference of Intervention)
2.03 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.79
2.26 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.69

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Subgroup analysis was performed in patients who preferred injection. Comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (scale 1-5, higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=24 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=34 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations 6 Weeks (SG, Preferred Injection)
1.88 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.76
2.40 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.84

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 weeks

Subgroup analysis was performed in patients who preferred splint. Comparison of overall BCTQ between treatment groups at 6 weeks follow-up (higher score indicates more severe symptoms and functional impairment) on participants with complete data. BCTQ: Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=18 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=34 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
BCTQ Symptom Severity and Functional Limitations 6 Weeks (SG, Preferred Splint)
2.15 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.91
2.40 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.84

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Cost of interventions at 6 months

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
NHS Cost Differences at 6 Months
346.78 UK Pounds
Standard Deviation 467.97
313.24 UK Pounds
Standard Deviation 480.84

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

Complete case analysis on the cost of interventions at 6 months

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
NHS Cost Differences at 6 Months (CC)
353.48 UK Pounds
Standard Deviation 512.85
306.42 UK Pounds
Standard Deviation 524.51

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12 months

Cost of interventions at 12 months

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
NHS Cost Differences at 12 Months
508.69 UK Pounds
Standard Deviation 657.48
395.54 UK Pounds
Standard Deviation 596.47

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 24 months

Cost of interventions at 24 months

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
NHS Cost Differences at 24 Months
657.87 UK Pounds
Standard Deviation 808.57
586.77 UK Pounds
Standard Deviation 783.45

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

The Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) is a measure of the state of health of a person/group in which the benefits, in terms of length of life, are adjusted to reflect the quality of life. One QALY is equal to 1 year of life in perfect health. QALYs are calculated by estimating the years of life remaining for a patient following a particular treatment/intervention and weighting each year with a quality-of-life score (on a 0 to 1 scale). It is often measured in terms of the person's ability to carry out the activities of daily life and freedom from pain and mental disturbance. The QALY does not have a maximum score. Cross-walk tariff: Crosswalk value sets were developed from a study of respondents who completed both the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L. The crosswalk used a non-parametric response mapping method to predict values that are linked to the EQ-5D-3L value set. In short, the cross-walk tariff maps EQ-5D-5L values.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
QALYS at 6 Months (Cross-walk Tariff)
0.354 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.093
0.356 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.087

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 12 months

The Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) is a measure of the state of health of a person/group in which the benefits, in terms of length of life, are adjusted to reflect the quality of life. One QALY is equal to 1 year of life in perfect health. QALYs are calculated by estimating the years of life remaining for a patient following a particular treatment/intervention and weighting each year with a quality-of-life score (on a 0 to 1 scale). It is often measured in terms of the person's ability to carry out the activities of daily life and freedom from pain and mental disturbance. The QALY does not have a maximum score. Cross-walk tariff: Crosswalk value sets were developed from a study of respondents who completed both the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L. The crosswalk used a non-parametric response mapping method to predict values that are linked to the EQ-5D-3L value set. In short, the cross-walk tariff maps EQ-5D-5L values.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
QALYS at 12 Months (Cross-walk Tariff)
0.723 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.163
0.736 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.156

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 24 months

The Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALYs) is a measure of the state of health of a person/group in which the benefits, in terms of length of life, are adjusted to reflect the quality of life. One QALY is equal to 1 year of life in perfect health. QALYs are calculated by estimating the years of life remaining for a patient following a particular treatment/intervention and weighting each year with a quality-of-life score (on a 0 to 1 scale). It is often measured in terms of the person's ability to carry out the activities of daily life and freedom from pain and mental disturbance. The QALY does not have a maximum score. Cross-walk tariff: Crosswalk value sets were developed from a study of respondents who completed both the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L. The crosswalk used a non-parametric response mapping method to predict values that are linked to the EQ-5D-3L value set. In short, the cross-walk tariff maps EQ-5D-5L values.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 Participants
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 Participants
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
QALYS at 24 Months (Cross-walk Tariff)
1.461 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.311
1.497 score on a scale
Standard Deviation 0.301

Adverse Events

Steroid Injection

Serious events: 3 serious events
Other events: 57 other events
Deaths: 2 deaths

Wrist Splint

Serious events: 4 serious events
Other events: 7 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Serious adverse events
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 participants at risk
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 participants at risk
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Fracture
0.00%
0/116 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
0.85%
1/118 • Number of events 1 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
Cardiac disorders
Other
0.86%
1/116 • Number of events 1 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
0.00%
0/118 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
Cardiac disorders
Myocardial infarction
0.00%
0/116 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
0.85%
1/118 • Number of events 1 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Other
0.86%
1/116 • Number of events 1 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
0.00%
0/118 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Other
0.86%
1/116 • Number of events 1 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
0.00%
0/118 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Arthritis
0.00%
0/116 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
1.7%
2/118 • Number of events 2 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Steroid Injection
n=116 participants at risk
Single steroid injection into Carpal Tunnel (as Depo-medrone 20mg) Depo-Medrone: Steroid Injection
Wrist Splint
n=118 participants at risk
Wrist splint to be worn at night Wrist Splint: Simple wrist splint
Vascular disorders
Flushing
14.7%
17/116 • Number of events 17 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
0.00%
0/118 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Other
3.4%
4/116 • Number of events 4 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
0.00%
0/118 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Arthralgia
45.7%
53/116 • Number of events 53 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.
5.9%
7/118 • Number of events 7 • 24 months
Reporting by investigators. Expected related adverse events self-reported by participants in 6-week questionnaire.

Additional Information

Dr Edward Roddy

Keele University

Phone: 01782 734715

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place