Procedures:

- Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

- Endoscopic Trigger Finger Release

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel is a common cause of numbness and tingling in the hand which may or may not be associated with work. Symptoms may include hand numbness, loss of grip strength, hands falling asleep at night or during the day, pain in the hand, forearm, arm or shoulder. Countless dollars are wasted on un-effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Delay in treatment can result in permanent cell death within the nerve due to prolonged painful recovery period associated with many surgical techniques. Traditional open carpal tunnel release requires normal overlying structures be cut resulting in increased scar tissue, more postoperative pain and a longer recovery period.

New endoscopic techniques allow the release to be performed through very small incisions with the aid of an endoscope. An endoscope is a very small video camera (smaller than a pencil) that allows the surgeon to see without the need for a large incision. The incisions are so small, in fact, that no stitches are used.

Endoscopic Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is an inflammatory condition of the synovium (lining of the tendons) of the fingers or thumb. Trigger finger can cause pain, swelling, catching or even locking of the fingers. It may be caused by the use of tools such as a drill or a wrench. However, often the cause is unknown. Treatment often includes anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or cortisone injections. Therapy may also be helpful. When these treatment options do not resolve the symptoms, surgery is utilized. During surgery, the tight portion of the tendon sheath is released to take the pressure off of the tendon. At one time, this was performed through a large open incision in the palm of the hand. However, now there is a better way. The procedure can now be performed through an incision less than 1/8 to ¼ inch in length using an instrument called in endoscope. This allows the structure to be divided using small instruments under endocsopic visualization. Because the incisions are so small, no stitches are required. Small pieces of tape are placed over the incisions. Most patients are able to return to work the day after surgery. Because no stitches are utilized, there is no painful stitch removal.