The Advantages of Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel specialists at The Bone & Joint Surgery clinic offer ultra–minimally invasive carpal tunnel release under ultrasound guidance.

But what exactly is this surgery, and why is it better? 

What Is Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release?

All carpal tunnel releases work by releasing pressure off of an important nerve at the level of the wrist, called the median nerve.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common, approximately 1 out of every 20 Americans has it. That is A LOT of people.  It causes numbness, tingling, and pain, especially in the thumb, pointer finger, and middle finger. It is often worse at night.  Patients often have to change what they are doing, or shake their hands out to make their symptoms feel better.

Unfortunately, many of these patients do not want carpal tunnel release, even though this procedure would cure their symptoms and help them to sleep through the night. Carpal tunnel release would also allow them to stay active and independent.  

There are many reasons why those with carpal tunnel syndrome avoid surgery, but the fear of surgery, either the pain or anxiety of the procedure, or the fear of prolonged healing and pain after the surgery, are most likely the main reasons. Economic concerns are another reason. 

Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release Helps to Address These Concerns

This procedure can be done with only a small amount of numbing medicine on the palm. This means that no “sleeping tube” needs to be placed down the patient’s throat. 

Expensive and painful nerve blocks are also not necessary.  This type of surgery is less expensive for the patient and also is a great option for patients with other medical issues that make anesthesia difficult.

Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release also is performed without a tourniquet.  A tourniquet is a tight band that squeezes the arm being operated on so that the surgeon can see.  Because Bone & Joint doctors use ultrasound guidance, a tourniquet is not used.

One Tiny Incision Is All That is Needed for the Procedure

Finally, this procedure is done through a very tiny poke incision.  Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release is the most precise way of releasing the pressure on your nerve without cutting and harming things that are not involved with causing the carpal tunnel syndrome. 

This tiny poke incision is located on the forearm near the wrist. It is placed to avoid incisions on the palm that are more likely to be painful and interfere with activities after surgery.  As a result, many patients who have ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release return to all activities right away. No splint is necessary after surgery.

Let Our Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release Procedure Provide the Relief You Need

Do you have carpal tunnel syndrome?  Does anyone you know or love have carpal tunnel syndrome?  If so, call 919-872-5296 to schedule a visit with a North Carolina carpal tunnel specialist in Raleigh!