DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Offers Micro-Invasive Option for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Commerce Township — DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital is one of the first hospitals in Michigan to use a unique, less invasive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.

The treatment involves the use of ultra-sound and an instrument known as the SX-One MicroKnife, which is equipped with a tiny blade that is inserted into very small incision in the wrist to perform a procedure known as carpal tunnel release (CTR).

Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the hand that is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist brought on by swelling of the transverse carpal ligament. This ligament along with the median nerve and the tendons that allow the fingers to bend, go through a passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.  Because that tunnel is narrow, when that ligament becomes inflamed, the nerves and tendons are pinched.

Typically, CTR surgery involves making an incision several inches across the wrist to sever the transverse ligament to relieve the pressure on the nerves and tendons.

This new treatment requires only a very small incision and uses ultrasound to find a pathway to the transverse ligament through the carpal tunnel, eliminating the need for a large incision.  Once in the carpal tunnel the tiny blade cuts the ligament. The treatment can be performed in less than 10 minutes using a local anesthetic. Patients may experience less pain and scarring, shorter recovery times, and typically can return to normal activities in days. Patients can be in a cast for as long as six weeks following a typical open CTR surgery.

 “This is an exciting option for patients who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome but have hesitated to seek treatment due to concerns about undergoing surgery and long recovery times associated with some treatment options,” said Dr. Nicholas Moore, an orthopedic specialist affiliated with DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, who has treated a number of patients using the device.

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects more than 12 million Americans and results in 650,000 surgeries every year.

 “Carpal tunnel syndrome can be debilitating if left untreated,” said Dr. Moore. “We are committed to providing the best possible care for our patients. This procedure is minimally invasive and promotes a rapid recovery so patients can get back to their jobs and lives faster.”