RANSON, W.Va. – WVU Medicine Jefferson Medical Center recently became the first hospital in the region to offer carpal tunnel release (CTR) with ultrasound guidance using the new Sonex Health SX-One MicroKnife®.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common problems affecting the hand. It afflicts 13 million Americans with numbness and tingling in the hands and fingers. Left untreated, it can cause long-term debilitation. CTR surgery is used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome by relieving pressure on the median nerve by transecting or dividing the transverse carpal ligament to create more space for the nerve and tendons.
The SX-One MicroKnife was developed to provide physicians with a simple, elegant, safe and effective tool to perform CTR. When the SX-One MicroKnife is used with ultrasound guidance, physicians are able to perform open CTR surgery through a small, less disruptive incision while providing improved visualization of all critical anatomy in the wrist. This outpatient procedure is typically performed using only local anesthesia and reduces or eliminates the need for opioids and postoperative therapy. Most patients can return to work and normal activities within 3 to 6 days.
Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon G. Bradford Wright, M.D., believes CTR with ultrasound guidance using this new surgical device will benefit patients who have previously delayed or declined treatment due to fear of surgery and a long recovery time.
"The SX-One MicroKnife has changed the way we think about carpal tunnel release surgery," Wright said. "The recovery time for traditional CTR typically ranges from several weeks to several months and can be quite painful. Because this new method for CTR surgery only requires a 4 or 5 millimeter incision, my patients are generally able to return to work within a few days and only require ibuprofen post procedure."
Wright has performed over 50 CTR surgeries using the SX-One MicroKnife since the device was first introduced at Jefferson Medical Center.
For more information visit https://sonexhealth.com/ or WVU Medicine Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine - Charles Town.
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For more information:
Chelsie Davis, Communications Specialist, 304-596-6327, chelsie.davis@wvumedicine.org
21-Feb.
CED: 2-25-21