Do you have carpal tunnel syndrome, yet avoiding the recommended surgical treatment for one of the following reasons:
• The recovery after surgery is too long
• You’re anxious about the procedure
• You want to avoid general anesthesia
• You can’t take time off work
Thanks to technological advancements, many medical procedures, like carpal tunnel release, can now be safely performed in the office-based setting with minimal downtime.
Using ultrasound-guided technology, a carpal tunnel release can be performed in the office without general anesthesia. Like a dental procedure, patients receive local anesthesia in the office and return home the same day.
With less downtime and pain, patients return to work and life faster.
Benefits of In-Office Carpal Tunnel Release
Less pain: smaller incision, no stitches, no general anesthesia
Faster recovery: immediate motion, less down time, less pain
Convenient: familiar office setting
About Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes pain, numbness and tingling in the hand and arm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand — the median nerve — is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist. The abnormal pressure on the nerve can result in pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.
When conservative treatment fails, surgery may be the best option for providing pain relief. The surgical procedure performed for carpal tunnel syndrome is called carpal tunnel release. The goal of both is to relieve pressure on your median nerve by cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the tunnel. This increases the size of the tunnel and decreases pressure on the median nerve.
Technological advancements have made it possible to perform carpal tunnel release safely in an office-based setting.
No More Delays
Fear of surgery and long recovery times are reasons that often delay carpal tunnel release surgery. Yet, Carpal Tunnel Release has high surgical satisfaction rates.
In-office ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release is less invasive, using smaller incisions. The smaller tools used remove the need for general anesthesia and result in less pain. Less pain means faster recovery.
Candidates for In-Office Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Anyone who is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome is a candidate for in-office carpal tunnel release. This is a great option for patients who do not handle general anesthesia well. Patients avoiding carpal tunnel release surgery because of the long recovery also prefer the in-office procedure. Patients who are nervous about the procedure or anxious about needles, however, may not prefer the office setting.
Overall, because patients maintain continuity of care, working with doctors and staff they already know in a facility they are familiar with, many patients find the in-office carpal tunnel release to be the preferred treatment.
Patients who are avoiding surgery
Patients who cannot take much time off work
Patients who want to avoid general anesthesia
Watch a video on the ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release technique
Benefits of In-Office Carpal Tunnel Release
Less Pain
This procedure requires only a small wrist incision that is closed without sutures. No general anesthesia is required.
Faster recovery
Patients have immediate motion in their hands. With less pain and a shorter recovery timeline, patients return to work and life faster.
Convenient
Patients maintain continuity of care, working with familiar doctors and staff. With fewer referrals and facilities to coordinate, patients typically have fewer scheduling delays.
Dr. Alexander Palmer is a fellowship-trained hand surgeon. With a focus on the patient experience and recovery, he has a passion for in-office procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions about In-Office Carpal Tunnel
What can I expect post-procedure?
Patients are typically discharged immediately after the procedure. The gauze wrap should remain on for 72 hours. During this time, patients may shower, but they are asked to not submerge the area in water. Most patients report minimal pain; if needed, patients can take over-the-counter pain relievers.
Patients can return to work within a few days of the procedure.
Do you use general anesthesia?
General anesthesia is not used, but we do use local anesthesia on the hand.
Is it covered by insurance?
Typically, insurance covers a portion of the procedure. Insurance tends to be slower to adopt new technology. Given the success and rapid recovery, we believe insurance will continue to increase reimbursement.
HSA and FSA can be used to pay for any portion not reimbursed by insurance. Typically, this is $1500.
Do I need an EMG?
Sano Orthopedics uses ultrasound and physical exam to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome. In most patients, an EMG is not required to proceed with the procedure.
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