Local injection of dexamethasone for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the results of 4 mg of dexamethasone acetate injections for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy. MATERIAL AND METHOD Twenty-four pregnant volunteers who suffered from carpal tunnel syndrome occurring in the third trimester of their pregnancies were injected with 4 mg of dexamethasone acetate combined with 1% lidocaine into the carpal tunnels. The volunteers filled the Boston symptom severity questionnaire and were examined by Phalen's test, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, grip strength, and pinch strength before injection, one month after injection, and one month after delivery. RESULTS There was significant improvement of symptoms, grip strength and pinch strength of the injected hand compared with the opposite side at one month after injection (p < 0.01). However, after delivery, the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome improved on both the injected and opposite hands. CONCLUSION Carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnancy is generally resolved after delivery and, therefore, should be treated conservatively. The patient with severe symptoms can be treated with dexamethasone injection in the third trimester with good results.