Introduction
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Affects 13 million adults, particularly manual labor workers.
- Current Treatments:
- Traditional Open Carpal Tunnel Release (OCTR): Involves making a large incision to cut the transverse carpal ligament (TCL), but can leave large scars and require long recovery times.
- Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release (ECTR): Uses a small camera and instruments to cut the TCL. It has better early recovery but requires significant equipment and can cause temporary nerve symptoms.
Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR-US)
- History: Introduced in 1997, with over 30 studies confirming its safety and effectiveness.
- Success Rate: Over 95%, allowing the procedure to be done in an office setting with local anesthesia.
UltraGuideCTR™ Device
- Design:
- Handpiece: Ergonomic with a retractable cutting knife and inflatable balloons.
- Procedure: Inserted through a small wrist incision, positioned using ultrasound, balloons create space, the knife cuts the TCL under ultrasound guidance, balloons deflate, and the incision is closed with adhesive strips or sutures.
- Advantages:
- Performed in various settings, including offices.
- No need for opioids, just acetaminophen or NSAIDs.
- Quick recovery, with most patients resuming activities in 2-3 days and returning to work in 3-5 days.
- High long-term patient satisfaction.
Clinical Experience
- First Use: February 17, 2017.
- Procedures: Over 30,000, including many bilateral releases in office settings.
- Publications: 16 peer-reviewed papers involving over 1700 hands/1300 patients.
- Results: Significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes (PROMs) and MRI-documented carpal tunnel decompression.
- Return to Activities: Median of 2-3 days for daily activities and 3-4 days for work.
- Patient Satisfaction: High, sustained improvements up to 6 years post-procedure.
Conclusion
- CTR-US: Proven safe and effective, with consistently positive outcomes across multiple studies and patient populations.
- UltraGuideCTR™: Offers a safe, simple, and effective tool for carpal tunnel release, widely adopted with over 30,000 successful procedures.
This summary is based on the published paper titled “Carpal Tunnel Release with UltraGuideCTR™ and Real-time Ultrasound Guidance: Clinical Summary” by Jay Smith, M.D., Chief Medical Officer of Sonex Health, Inc., published in May 2024.
To learn more about how Sonex compares to traditional surgery, check out CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE: ULTRASOUND GUIDED APPROACH VS. TRADITIONAL SURGERY and give us a call today!
