Those who suffer with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) often find that they are unable to accomplish simple daily tasks without intense pain. Brushing teeth, typing on the computer, playing an instrument, buttoning a shirt, or even just holding a loved-one’s hand—these are all simple, and sometimes necessary, tasks that can send severe pain pulsing through fingers, wrists, arms, and shoulders. More than 12 million Americans suffer from the painful and pressing effects of CTS, resulting in 500,000 surgeries every year. And women are three times more likely to get carpal tunnel than men, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.[1] The fluctuation of fluid, along with fluid retention during pregnancy, is just one reason women are more susceptible to CTS.

With such a large portion of the population suffering from CTS, there has been great effort to help find relief, and various treatments are available. However, many of these treatments require serious medication and/or invasive surgeries that can take weeks and even months of recovery. This means time out of work, which is both costly to individuals who suffer from CTS and their employers. While preventative measures have been put in place at many organizations, some are more susceptible to CTS and it cannot be avoided. At the 2007 Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, researcher David Ring, MD announced, “The major risk factor for carpal tunnel is genetic.”[2]

Whether you are a long-time sufferer of CTS or currently experiencing the first symptoms, it is never too late nor too early to seek out the advice of a trained physician. At In2it Medical, Dr. Craig Chappell is trained in many non-invasive techniques that can not only make CTS manageable, but can bring you back to full functioning in as little as 4 to 6 days. Dr. Chappell is the only physician in Utah certified to offer the Sonex SX- One MicroKnife CTS procedure, a highly advanced micro-incision technique developed by researchers at the Mayo Clinic.

If you turn your hand palm up, the carpal tunnel is a small space between the wrist bone below, and the transverse carpal ligament over the top. Through this space runs the median nerve and tendons that control the motor functions for the fingers. When swelling or damage occurs to the tissue in this area, pressure can be placed on the median nerve, causing numbness and pain. The most common surgical treatment for CTS is carpal tunnel release (CTR). During this procedure, the carpal ligament is cut by the surgeon to alleviate pressure on the median nerve and allows more space for the nerve and tendons in the carpal tunnel.

Traditional CTR requires a 2-inch incision on the wrist and common surgical instruments are used to cut the ligament. A less invasive technique, called endoscopic carpal tunnel release, uses 2 half inch incisions one in the palm and the other in the wrist. One incision is for a small camera used to guide the surgeon while they cut the ligament through the second incision. Both of these techniques leave large scars and risk damaging surrounding tissue that can lead to loss of mobility and further pain. Recovery from these surgeries can take 4 to 6 weeks and require the wrist to be immobilized, hampering the patient's ability to return to normal activity.

Micro-incision is a new innovative alternative in the surgical field. Rather than making large incisions that take weeks of recovery time and often leave noticeable scars, Dr. Chappell uses cutting edge technology to make micro-incisions instead. The SX-One MicroKnife used by Dr. Chappell, makes a very small and precise incision of 4-5 mm, at least 5 times smaller than incision used in the traditional carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery. This smaller incision result in quicker recovery time, less noticeable scarring, and a reduction in complications. “The In2it Medical practice is all about eliminating or reducing pain, so we’re pleased to be the first in Utah to be able to offer this new path to relief,” says Dr. Chappell.

Speaking of the SX-One MicroKnife, Dr. Chappell stated, “Technology has given us another extremely effective tool for reducing pain and improving the quality of life for people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.”

Developed by musculoskeletal physicians and leading ultrasound imaging experts at the Mayo Clinic, the SX-One MicroKnife is also designed to protect sensitive nerves, blood vessels, tendons, and variable anatomic structures that are often affected by traditional surgical techniques. The SX-One MicroKnife is the cutting edge of micro-incision tools. Its’ unique design provides less trauma to the wrist, meaning faster pain relief and no need for immobilization of the wrist after surgery.

Dr. Chappell uses guided ultrasound during his carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery in order to provide better outcomes. This technique is proven to provide 5 times better pain relief and faster return to normal daily activities. It also promotes faster recovery and a significant reduction in the need for pain medication. Dr. Chappell is a registered Musculoskeletal sonographer (RMSK), trained in the use of ultrasound-guided techniques.

The entire surgery is an outpatient procedure, lasting around 30-minutes and is performed at the In2it Medical office, keeping surgical related costs to a minimum. The incision is so small that it requires no more than a standard adhesive bandage or strip. Patients can be in and out in one afternoon and back to living a life without limitations.

Dr. Chappell and the staff at In2it Medical also specialize in non-surgical orthopedic medicine options. If you are suffering from the debilitating effects of CTS, contact In2it Medical and schedule your appointment with our trained staff. Located in Pleasant Grove, In2it Medical takes patients Monday through Thursday. Our staff will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for micro-invasive ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release or if other non-surgical treatments are better suited. You don’t have to live with chronic pain. Contact us now at 801-610-7321 or through our website www.in2itmedical.com.

Sources:

MICRO-INVASIVE CARPAL TUNNEL RELEASE

https://www.in2itmedical.com/carpal-tunnel-release

Carpal Tunnel Release - Johns Hopkins Medicine

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/carpal-tunnel-release

If you would like to learn more about Carpal Tunnel Release in Utah with In2It Medical check out these additional resources

Video, Testimonial for Carpal Tunnel Release with Sonex

Video, Testimonial for Carpal Tunnel Release with Sonex #2

Video, How Do I Know If I Have Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Video

Video, Using Ultrasound to Diagnose and Treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Video

Article, Carpal Tunnel Release Treatment from In2It Medical

Article, Carpal Tunnel Release Condition from In2It Medical

Video, Carpal Tunnel Release LIVE with Dr. Craig Chappell

Dr. Craig Chappell is a nationally recognized carpal tunnel release physician and the only doctor in Utah to perform this specialized treatment in the state.  He is a triple board-certified physician who specializes in treating pain without medications or surgery.

[1] “Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Fact Sheet.” National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 14 May 2019, www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet#3049_5.

[2] CavoloRecommended, Lindsay, et al. “Is Carpal Tunnel Hereditary?” The Carpal Solution, 8 July 2019, www.mycarpaltunnel.com/symptoms/is-carpal-tunnel-hereditary/.