Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by compression of the median nerve, which runs through the carpus at the base of the hand. This compression can lead to a variety of symptoms, such as :

1. Numbness and tingling: People with carpal tunnel syndrome often experience numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers, particularly in the thumbs, index and middle fingers.
2. Tingling in the fingers of the hand: Tingling can occur mainly on the palmar surface of the first three fingers, as well as on half of the fourth finger.
3. Pain: Pain can occur in the hand, wrist and even extend up the arm. These pains may be mild at first, but often intensify over time.
4. Weakness: Weakness of the hand and difficulty in grasping objects may be observed in people with carpal tunnel syndrome. This can make daily tasks more difficult to accomplish.
5. Swelling: Swelling of the hand and fingers is also a common symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome. It can make the hand stiff and uncomfortable.
6. Burning sensation: Some people may experience a burning sensation in the hand and fingers, which can be very unpleasant.
7. Nocturnal symptoms: Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome tend to worsen at night, which can disrupt sleep and lead to additional fatigue.

Now that we've looked at the most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, let's explore the possible causes of this condition.

1. Anatomical factors: Some people have an anatomical structure that makes them more susceptible to developing carpal tunnel syndrome. For example, a narrow carpal tunnel can exert excessive pressure on the median nerve.
2. Repetitive movements: Repetitive movements of the wrist and hand, such as those made when repeatedly typing on a computer keyboard, can contribute to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome.
3. Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can cause fluid retention and inflammation, which may increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome in pregnant women.
4. Occupational factors: Certain professions involving repetitive wrist and hand movements, such as typing, using vibrating tools or handling heavy loads, can increase the risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome.
5. Underlying diseases: Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and hypothyroidism, are associated with an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome.
6. Trauma: Trauma to the wrist, such as fractures or sprains, can damage the carpal tunnel and lead to the development of the syndrome.

Carpal tunnel echo surgery, or carpal tunnel microsurgery, is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition where the median nerve is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel at the wrist, causing pain, numbness and weakness in the hand.

Traditionally, carpal tunnel surgery is an invasive procedure in which the transverse carpal ligament is cut to relieve pressure on the median nerve. However, echo surgery (or ultrasound-assisted surgery) is a more modern approach that uses ultrasound to guide the procedure.

Here's how it usually works:

1. The patient is anesthetized locally, so he or she feels no pain during the procedure.
2. The ultrasound scanner uses an ultrasound probe to visualize the carpal tunnel and median nerve at wrist level.
3. With this live visualization, the surgeon uses a small instrument to release the transverse carpal ligament, relieving pressure on the median nerve.
4. Throughout the operation, ultrasound is used to monitor progress and ensure that the median nerve is not damaged.

The advantage of this method is that it is less invasive than traditional surgery, reducing the risk of complications and recovery time. What's more, it can be performed on an outpatient basis, without the need for hospitalization.

However, like any surgical procedure, echo carpal tunnel surgery carries certain risks and is not appropriate for all patients. The decision to use this method should be made after discussion between the patient and his or her surgeon, taking into account the severity of symptoms, the patient's general state of health and other available treatment options.

Carpal tunnel echo surgery offers many advantages over traditional surgical methods. Here are some of the main benefits of this revolutionary technique:

1. Less invasive: Echo surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, meaning that incisions are much smaller than in traditional open surgery. This reduces the risk of infection, scarring and post-operative pain.
2. Faster recovery: Due to the less invasive nature of carpal tunnel echosurgery, the recovery period is generally shorter than with traditional methods. Patients can return to their normal daily activities more quickly.
3. Less scarring: The smaller incisions of carpal tunnel echosurgery also mean less visible scarring, which is an aesthetic advantage for many patients.
4. Greater precision: The use of ultrasound during the procedure enables surgeons to precisely visualize the anatomical structure of the carpus and release the median nerve with great precision.
5. Fewer complications: The risk of complications such as infections, excessive bleeding and damage to surrounding tissue is reduced with microsurgery.
6. Local anesthesia: Carpal tunnel echo surgery can be performed under local anaesthetic, avoiding the risks associated with general anaesthesia and enabling faster recovery after the procedure.