Expert Carpal Tunnel Treatment Options
Discover the Power of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release (ECTR)
At Nebraska Hand & Shoulder Institute, P.C., we offer one of the country’s top techniques for carpal tunnel treatment. Performed by our renowned carpal tunnel doctor, Dr. Ichtertz, the endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) is a cutting-edge solution that few hand surgeons nationwide can offer. Sit back and let us handle your carpal tunnel syndrome treatment, bringing you relief using our state-of-the-art scope method.
The ECTR procedure carries out a complete release of the carpal tunnel, directly addressing the transverse carpal ligament that causes hand and wrist pain. With over 15,000 successful procedures since 1992, you can trust us for effective carpal tunnel syndrome relief. NO BRACES. NO LARGE SCARS. NO PHYSICAL THERAPY IS NEEDED. ECTR allows patients to return to their daily activities within hours.
The Evolution of ECTR: A Breakthrough in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
Carpal tunnel syndrome has long been a persistent issue, often leading to surgery. However, ECTR was developed as a less painful resolution for those troubled by carpal tunnel syndrome. Traditional treatments, covering everything from crystals to cortisone injections, have proven ineffective for lasting relief. This led to the advent of ECTR, a more targeted and significantly milder alternative.
Understanding the Causes and Impacts of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Realizing the necessity for a more effective carpal tunnel treatment was born from understanding the cause of the condition: pressure. Elevated pressure within the carpal tunnel was found to be the underlying cause, leading to the development of more effective treatments. This understanding allows us to implement the most successful methods for carpal tunnel surgery.
How can pressure from carpal tunnel be released?
Recognizing the need for a more effective carpal tunnel treatment, researchers identified elevated pressure within the carpal tunnel as the root cause. This led to the development of better treatments and the implementation of successful carpal tunnel surgeries. Wearing a wrist brace at night can temporarily help by preventing pressure increases from wrist bending, but it does not solve the problem.
In 1986, Dr. Ichiro Okutsu diagnosed patients with carpal tunnel syndrome, used a pressure monitor, and performed surgery via a large incision above the wrist. He cut the transverse carpal ligament compressing the median nerve, which promptly resolved symptoms and reduced pressure. Despite successfully completing thousands of surgeries, his follow-up research indicating the need for additional tissue release during surgery was largely overlooked, leading to many early adopters having dissatisfied patients who required repeat surgeries. This emphasizes the importance of attention to detail in surgical techniques.
The Best Carpal Tunnel Treatment: Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
During carpal tunnel release surgery, pressure is released from the carpal tunnel, as shown in postoperative pressure measurements, correlating with symptom elimination. Symptom relief is immediate for patients who wake at night due to numb or painful hands.
While Dr. Okutsu was researching, additional endoscopic technique variations were developed in the United States. These include the "Inside Job" by Dr. John Agee in Sacramento, California; the two-portal Chow and Brown endoscopic carpal tunnel releases (almost identical techniques); the retrograde two-portal endoscopic carpal tunnel release; and the Carposcopic endoscopic carpal tunnel release. Other procedures include the Linvatec endoscopically-assisted technique and Arthrex's variation. Thus, there are many different endoscopic carpal tunnel release techniques. View our ECTR outcome studies to see real results.
Carpal Tunnel Treatments at Nebraska Hand & Shoulder
At Nebraska Hand & Shoulder Institute, P.C., we prioritize safe, effective, and cost-efficient techniques. Our carpal tunnel surgeon, Dr. Ichtertz, uses a two-portal technique for endoscopic carpal tunnel release, widely regarded as the safest approach. This method also reduces surgical waste and costs, making it both eco-friendly and more affordable for our patients.
Our treatments focus on releasing the transverse carpal ligament, which results in a 25% increase in the carpal tunnel volume. This procedure takes the pressure off the median nerve by widening the carpal tunnel. Our unique approach minimizes tissue damage, making our carpal tunnel surgery the best choice for your carpal tunnel syndrome treatment.