Minimally Invasive Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release: Preliminary Clinical Results

J Ultrasound Med. 2018 Nov;37(11):2699-2706. doi: 10.1002/jum.14618. Epub 2018 Apr 2.

Abstract

Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release was performed on 14 patients (18 wrists) using dynamic expansion of the transverse safe zone. Our patient population included able-bodied patients and those with impairments. The first 8 cases (12 wrists) underwent the procedure in an operating room, the remainder in an outpatient setting. No complications occurred, and all patients were able to immediately resume use of their hands without therapy. Improvements in the Quick Form of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Index and Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire at 3 months were comparable to results reported with mini-open and endoscopic release. Our results show that ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release can be safely and effectively performed in an outpatient setting.

Keywords: carpal tunnel release; median nerve; musculoskeletal (interventional); ultrasound.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / diagnostic imaging*
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / surgery*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Median Nerve / diagnostic imaging
  • Median Nerve / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods*