Tulsa’s Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Specialist
Minimally invasive, outpatient carpal tunnel release with faster healing and recovery time.
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Innovative Expertise in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a highly effective outpatient procedure for patients experiencing numbness, tingling, weakness, or pain in the hand and fingers due to carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Treat is a fellowship-trained hand and wrist orthopedic surgeon in Tulsa specializing in the minimally invasive treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome using the endoscopic carpal tunnel release technique.
How is the Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Procedure Performed?
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR) is a minimally invasive technique used to effectively treat carpal tunnel syndrome. The procedure is typically completed in as little as one or two minutes.
During the procedure, the surgeon makes a tiny incision in the wrist and inserts a thin instrument with a camera and a blade (an endoscope) to carefully divide the transverse carpal ligament, relieving pressure on the median nerve. As it heals, scar tissue fills the gap between the two ends of the ligament. This lengthened ligament prevents symptom recurrence in most patients.
Because the procedure uses a small incision and a camera for guidance, patients often experience less soft-tissue disruption and a quicker recovery than with traditional open surgery.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome, also called median nerve compression, is a common condition in which the nerve that runs through the middle of your wrist is compressed, causing tingling, numbness, and loss of function in your hand.
The carpal tunnel is a passageway running between your wrist and hand on the palm side that is made up of bones, ligaments, and tendons. Because the carpal tunnel is so narrow, the median nerve running through it can become pinched or compressed.
While age, activities, and underlying health conditions can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome, it is a common condition that can affect athletes, office workers, or manual laborers alike.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms you may experience are often similar to those of other health conditions and can include:
- Burning or tingling in your fingers
- Pain or numbness in one or both hands
- Pain or numbness that gets worse at night
- “Pins and needles” feeling in your fingers
- Swollen feeling in your fingers
- Weakness when gripping objects
Causes of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome can have multiple causes and includes factors related to health conditions or physical activity such as:
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Obesity
- Hypothyroidism
- Pregnancy and menopause
- Family history of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Repetitive motions from hand tools, typing, or playing an instrument
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment Options
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
In this minimally invasive procedure, an endoscopic camera guides a tiny cutting device through a small incision in the wrist so the surgeon can cut the transverse carpal ligament and relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Open Carpal Tunnel Release
Open Carpal Tunnel Release
In this traditional surgical technique, a 1–2-inch incision is made in the palm to expose the transverse carpal ligament, which is then divided.
Lifestyle and Physical Therapies
Lifestyle and Physical Therapies
Conservative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include activity modifications, such as wrist splinting, ergonomic adjustments at work, and stretching and strengthening exercises.
Pain Relief Medications
Pain Relief Medications
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections can be used to help reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.
