Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) may be treated surgically if medical treatment fails.
The classical approach involves release of the flexor retinaculum by endoscopic or
open surgery. Meta-analyses have shown that the risk of nerve injury may be higher
with endoscopic treatment. The recent contribution of ultrasound to the diagnosis
and therapeutic management of CTS opens new perspectives. Ultrasound-guided carpal
tunnel release via a minimally invasive approach enables the whole operation to be
performed as a percutaneous radiological procedure. The advantages are a smaller incision
compared with classical techniques; great safety during the procedure by visualization
of anatomic structures, particularly variations in the median nerve; and realization
of the procedure under local anesthesia. These advantages lead to a reduction in postsurgical
sequelae and more rapid resumption of daily activities and work. Dressings are removed
by the third day postsurgery. Recent studies seem to confirm the medical, economic,
and aesthetic benefits of this new approach.
Keywords
carpal tunnel syndrome - ultrasound-guided treatment - minimally invasive surgery
- carpal tunnel release - interventional radiology - ultrasound-guided surgery
