Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves in the hand—the median nerve—is compressed as it travels through the wrist. The median nerve controls movement in the thumb and feeling in the thumb and first three fingers. It runs down the arm and forearm, passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, and goes into the hand.
Mild symptoms of CTS can be treated with directed home care, which may include specific exercises, stretching, avoiding activities that cause symptoms, or wearing a wrist splint. Medications or corticosteroid injections may also be recommended.
More severe cases of CTS may be treated surgically through carpal tunnel release (CTR), which involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Traditional CTR procedures can remedy the condition, but may result in large and sometimes painful scars, ongoing palmar pain, and a long road to recovery.4-74. Rojo-Manaute JM, et al. Ultra-minimally invasive ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release: a randomized clinical trial. J Ultrasound Med. 2016;35(6):1149-57.5. Sayegh ET, et al. Open versus endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Orthop Rel Res. 2015;473:1120-32.6. Zhang S, et al. Cost-minimization analysis of open and endoscopic carpal tunnel release. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2016;98(23):1970-77.
Now there is an alternative surgical option—carpal tunnel release with UltraGuideCTRTM and real-time ultrasound guidance.
CTR with ultrasound guidance relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome while minimizing recovery time. Most patients can return to work and the activities they love in 3-5 days. 12, 16, 19, 204. Rojo-Manaute JM, et al. Ultra-minimally invasive ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release: a randomized clinical trial. J Ultrasound Med. 2016;35(6):1149-57.9. Fowler JR, et al. Multicenter pragmatic study of carpal tunnel release with ultrasound guidance. Expert Rev Med Devices. 2022;19(3):273-80.
Performing CTR with ultrasound guidance allows most patients to enjoy immediate motion so they can focus on getting back to their lives and the activities they love.12, 16, 19, 204. Rojo-Manaute JM, et al. Ultra-minimally invasive ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release: a randomized clinical trial. J Ultrasound Med. 2016;35(6):1149-57.9. Fowler JR, et al. Multicenter pragmatic study of carpal tunnel release with ultrasound guidance. Expert Rev Med Devices. 2022;19(3):273-80.10. Leiby BM, et al. Long-term clinical results of carpal tunnel release using ultrasound guidance. Hand. 2021 doi: 10.1177/1558944720988080. If you have carpal tunnel syndrome and are considering a surgical procedure, CTR with UltraGuideCTR and ultrasound guidance may be right for you.
A small incision, typically closed without sutures
4. Rojo-Manaute JM, et al. Ultra-minimally invasive ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release: a randomized clinical trial. J Ultrasound Med. 2016;35(6):1149-57.9. Fowler JR, et al. Multicenter pragmatic study of carpal tunnel release with ultrasound guidance. Expert Rev Med Devices. 2022;19(3):273-80.10. Leiby BM, et al. Long-term clinical results of carpal tunnel release using ultrasound guidance. Hand. 2021 doi: 10.1177/1558944720988080.
I was back to work the next day.
To find out if carpal tunnel release with UltraGuideCTR and real-time ultrasound guidance is right for you, contact one of our physicians.