15-minute saline procedure relieves carpal tunnel symptoms without surgery

A randomized trial of 63 patients found that ultrasound-guided hydrodissection of the median nerve with plain saline provided longer-lasting relief than steroid injections. At six months, nerve cross-sectional area fell 43–45% versus about 15% with steroids alone, and symptoms did not recur. The roughly 15-minute procedure may help patients delay or avoid surgery.

• 63 patients with confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome were split into three groups
• Nerve area at 6 months: −43–45% with hydrodissection vs −15% with steroids
• Adding corticosteroids to saline gave no significant extra long-term benefit
• The procedure averages 15 minutes with no significant complications observed