Occasionally we receive enquiries relating to patients wishing to have non-invasive carpal tunnel surgery. This may relate to some media reports or websites relating to carpal tunnel treatment.
There are several factors to consider in the assessment and management of “carpal tunnel syndrome”.
Assessment by a qualified hand surgeon.
Firstly, it is important to have a clinic appointment with a medical practitioner who is trained in and is proficient in the assessment for hand complaints and their management. By far the most expert group of practitioners in this regard in Australia are qualified hand surgeons, so I would recommend that assessment by a hand surgeon to confirm the diagnosis, to go over and decide the best treatment options and to ensure there are no other conditions that would benefit from consideration for treatment be preferable.
There are frequent cases where patients have been told they have carpal tunnel syndrome including having had an ultrasound or nerve conduction studies suggesting this but in fact have other or additional problems which should be treated differently and which a hand surgeon would recognise and may advise more expertly than a medical practitioner who is not a specialist hand surgeon.
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.
In terms of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed by a hand surgeon, treatment may consist of genuinely non-invasive methods such as hand therapy, splints or other non-invasive treatments. Invasive treatments might consist of injections or surgery either in the form of open / mini-open / endoscopic or ultrasound guided carpal tunnel decompression.
There are some medical practitioners in Australia performing what some patients consider non-invasive surgery. Of course, all surgery is invasive and carries risks, and each different type of surgery available has its own advantages and disadvantages.
I would recommend that anyone with a significant hand condition considered to be carpal tunnel syndrome is seen by a hand surgeon, such as myself, and a clear diagnosis and treatment plan made, rather than have treatment with non-specialist hand surgeon medical professionals.
I have training in all forms of carpal tunnel release including ultrasound guided so am in a good position to advise and treat patients.
Paul Jarrett