Minimally invasive "Thread" technique for carpal tunnel syndrome performed at Arthritis Treatment Center

FREDERICK, Md., Jan. 12, 2015 /PRNewswire/ --  A new technique for carpal tunnel release using ultrasound guidance and a special metal impregnated thread has been shown to work as effectively as the standard surgical treatment but with many fewer complications and virtually no down time.  The Guo brothers, physicians in Green Bay, Wisconsin, who were practicing orthopedic surgeons in their native China, collaborated with another brother, an expert in materials bioscience at Northwestern University, to develop this unique method.

Dr. Danqing Guo and his brother Danzhu, report: "We wanted to design a method for carpal tunnel release that would be simple, painless, and would allow people to recover immediately. Our brother, Joe, who completed a PhD in materials bioscience at Northwestern, invented a very strong, flexible thread that he thought would have a medical application… and he was right."

According to Dr. Nathan Wei, a rheumatologist in Frederick, Maryland and an expert in ultrasound-guided procedures:  "Dr. Danqing Guo came to Maryland and taught me this ingenious method.  We have already seen amazing results, with people able to return to work within 24 hours."

The procedure uses a local anesthetic, a proprietary metal impregnated thread, and a specially designed needle to cut through the tough fibrous band that causes carpal tunnel syndrome. The needle and thread are manipulated using ultrasound guidance.

Yvonne Diller of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania states, "I felt very comfortable throughout the procedure and felt little to no pain.  I was able to read my book during the entire procedure.  I felt almost immediate relief and a marked difference in improvement following the procedure.  In fact, I went shopping immediately following the procedure, and I was able to comb my hair with my right hand on the morning after my procedure.  I know that I will need carpal tunnel surgery on my left hand in the future, and I feel confident that I will use this technique as well as share this technique with others who are experiencing carpal tunnel pain."

Earlier this year, the Guo brothers published their initial findings in the journal Hand.

To find out more about Thread Carpal Tunnel Release, contact the Arthritis Treatment Center at 301-694-5800 or [email protected].

Dr. Nathan Wei is a board certified rheumatologist and Clinical Director of the Arthritis Treatment Center, a nationally respected arthritis research facility located in Frederick, Maryland.

Video - http://youtu.be/Fo1c36qr1JI

SOURCE Arthritis Treatment Center

Related Links

http://www.arthritistreatmentcenter.com