Procedure Drastically Reduces Recovery Time, Need for Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
ARLINGTON, Va. – An area sports medicine physician is performing a procedure to treat Carpal Tunnel Syndrome that drastically reduces recovery time, eliminating the need for surgery by using a leading-edge device and ultrasound guidance. This minimally invasive procedure, covered by most insurances, provides patients the immediate use of their hands with a full recovery within three to six days on average.
While standard carpal tunnel release surgical procedures are effective, recovery from these surgeries can average between two to four months, result in a scar and require postoperative immobilization.
“Traditionally, carpal tunnel release surgery has been done in an ‘open’ or ‘endoscopic’ fashion, requiring the physician to have to cut through the skin of the palm to visualize the transverse carpal ligament (TCL),” said Dr. Ryan Hubbard, a sports medicine physician at Anderson Orthopedic Clinic. “This procedure reduces the healing time by making a small incision in the wrist and utilizes ultrasound guidance to visualize the TCL and relevant anatomic structures through the skin.”
Work-related ergonomic diseases are one the fastest growing categories of illness and account for 56 to 63 percent of illnesses reported to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. More than eight million people in the U.S. are impacted by ergonomic musculoskeletal disorders each year.
As the second most common musculoskeletal surgery in the United States, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome accounts for well over 300,000 procedures performed annually.
“I think one of the main reasons we see such a disparity between those affected by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and the number of procedures performed is that patients do not want to be out of work or have the use of their hands limited during the recovery process from surgery,” said Dr. Hubbard. “One of the most exciting parts of my job is educating patients about this procedure and providing them the freedom to continue on with their lives after alleviating their pain with this minimally-invasive procedure.”
Ultrasound is used as a diagnostic imaging tool during the initial office visit and an Electromyography (EMG) test is helpful in assessing the damaged nerves and muscles in the palm. Once a patient is deemed a candidate, the procedure can be performed in the office, procedure room, or hospital setting.
As technology advances and less-invasive treatment options become more available, patients and employers will have an easier choice when it comes to combating ergonomic injuries. Dr. Ryan Hubbard has clinic locations in Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax and is accepting new patients.
Dr. Ryan Hubbard is an expert in providing conservative treatment options to treat injuries in the Northern Virginia area. He uses diagnostic ultrasound technology to evaluate injuries and to support accuracy for procedures and injections. He has trained under world-renowned Dr. James Andrews and a number of leading experts in use of ultrasound. Dr. Hubbard specializes in evidence based, stem cell and blood based regenerative medicine treatment options.
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