Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that can 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. Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome here.
Traditionally, CTS is managed conservatively with activity modification (i.e. avoiding activities that make the symptoms worse), adjusting posture and positioning of the wrists, taking frequent breaks and braces to provide better positioning and avoiding wrist flexion.
When conservative management fails, patients are often offered traditional carpal tunnel release surgery. Surgery involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Traditional surgical techniques can resolve CTS, but may result in large and painful scars, ongoing palm pain and a longer recovery. Surgery can be open with an incision in the palm of your hand or endoscopic surgery using a camera to look inside the carpal tunnel and making an incision along the ligament.
Now there is an alternative surgical option, Carpal Tunnel Release with the SX-One MicroKnife® and ultrasound guidance. CTR using 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 3-6 days. 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.