A plastic surgeon with the SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic has reached a milestone when he recently completed his 1,000th patient treated for carpal tunnel release with a new ultrasound procedure. Dr. Richard Schaefer uses what’s called UltraGuideCTR and real-time ultrasound guidance. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects an estimated 13 million people in the United States, and causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. Left untreated, it can cause long-term debilitation. Carpal tunnel release with ultrasound guidance (CTR-US) relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome while minimizing recovery time. CTR-US relieves pressure on the median nerve by transecting or dividing the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel to create more space for the nerve and and tendons. The procedure is performed using only local anesthesia in a procedure room or office setting, and a small incision which is typically closed without sutures.
