Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release uses minimally invasive surgery techniques to treat carpal tunnel syndrome.

What Is Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release?

Severe carpal tunnel syndrome may be treated surgically through carpal tunnel release (CTR).

During this surgery, your team will cut the ligament that is the roof of your carpal tunnel. This makes the tunnel bigger and relieves pressure on your median nerve. CTR surgery can treat your carpal tunnel syndrome and lead to faster recovery.

However, with a traditional approach, you may have:

• Large and sometimes painful scars
• Ongoing pain
• A long recovery

There is an alternative surgical option — CTR with ultrasound guidance. It relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome while minimizing your recovery time. Most people can go back to work and their everyday life in three to five days.

About Ultrasound-Guided CTR

At Northwestern Medicine, we can complete ultrasound-guided CTR surgery in a clinic room without anesthesia. Your care team will make a small incision in your wrist. Guided by the ultrasound images, they will put the surgical device in.

The device will release your ligament so there is more space for your nerve and tendons, relieving your symptoms.

Typically:

• The incision is closed with a bandage.
• No stitches are needed.
• The entire visit is usually shorter than two hours.
• Aspirin or ibuprofen is used to manage any pain.
• Post-surgery therapy is usually not needed.
• Patients can move their hand right away.

Who can get ultrasound-guided CTR surgery?

Who can get ultrasound-guided CTR surgery?

It may be right for you if you:

• Want a less invasive treatment option.
• Want both wrists treated at the same time.
• Use a wheelchair.
• Do not have time for a long recovery.