Treatment Monitoring of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Using Shear Wave Elastography: A Pilot In Vivo Study

Cureus 2026 Open access

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Authors: Annika N. Hiredesai, Casey J Martinez, Nathaniel B. Hinckley, Camryn S Payne, Nirvikar Dahiya, Azra Alizad, Kevin J. Renfree
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.102587
Cited by: 1
References: 24

Abstract

PURPOSE: Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a non-invasive technique for assessing median nerve (MN) stiffness in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). This study evaluated whether SWE measurements of the MN improve after corticosteroid injection (CSI) and correlate with symptom improvement in CTS. METHODS: Ten patients (18 wrists) with CTS underwent SWE, grip strength testing, and completed questionnaires before and six weeks after ultrasound-guided CSI. SWE measurements included pressure and velocity in longitudinal/transverse planes at two locations: proximal to and at the carpal tunnel. Progression to carpal tunnel release (CTR) was recorded. Multivariate analyses assessed associations between SWE and symptom scores, controlling for confounders. RESULTS: Functional Status Scale (FSS) and Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) scores improved post-injection (p=0.007 and p

Fields of Study & Subjects

Peripheral Nerve Disorders Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Foot and Ankle Surgery

Publication details

Journal / source
Cureus
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
18
Issue
1
Pages
e102587–e102587
Publication date
29 January 2026
Language
EN