Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common hand conditions, and is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. This pressure can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, and night-time discomfort, making simple activities like writing, driving, or using a phone difficult. If left untreated, it can cause permanent nerve damage and loss of grip strength.
Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel decompression provides a modern, minimally invasive solution. Using real-time ultrasound imaging, the surgeon safely releases the transverse carpal ligament - the tight band of tissue compressing the nerve - instantly relieving pressure and restoring normal function, treating the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Performed under local anaesthetic through a tiny puncture at the wrist, the operation avoids stitches, tourniquets, and hospital theatres. Most patients use their hand immediately and return to normal activity within 24 hours.
Ultrasound-guided decompression surgery is primarily for people with carpal tunnel syndrome who have not found relief with conservative treatments like splinting, medication, or steroid injections.
Your surgeon will evaluate if you are a suitable candidate by performing a clinical examination and may use ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and check for any anatomical variations. Your surgeon will also discuss any appropriate non-surgical options such as steroid or PRP injections, or splinting.
Because the operation is performed under local anaesthetic through a minute puncture and without a tourniquet we can treat a wide range of patients - including those who prefer to avoid general anaesthesia or hospital surgery.
For the vast majority of patients, ultrasound-guided decompression provides an ideal combination of safety, precision, comfort, with immediate recovery, restoring full hand function within hours.
Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel decompression offers a high degree of precision by allowing the surgeon to visualise the median nerve, tendons, and blood vessels in real time, ensuring complete accuracy and safety.
Local anesthesia only: The procedure is performed under local anesthetic (no sedation) without the use of a tourniquet, providing maximum comfort and accessibility and making it suitable for a wider range of patients.
Tiny incision: An incision as small as a 2-4 millimeters is made at the wrist - minimal scarring, no stitches.
Real-time imaging: Continuous ultrasound guidance directs a fine microsurgical instrument to precisely divide the transverse carpal ligament.
Instant decompression: Pressure on the nerve is relieved immediately, often improving symptoms straight away.
Traditional open surgery requires an operating theatre, anaesthetic or sedation, and a tourniquet inflated around the upper arm. Patients frequently describe the tourniquet as one of the most uncomfortable parts of the operation.
This traditional procedure involves a 3–5 cm incision in the palm, division of the ligament under direct vision, stitches, and a large “boxing-glove” bandage that stays in place for 10–14 days. During this time the hand cannot be used, and it may take two to three months for swelling and stiffness to settle.
Our ultrasound-guided approach eliminates these drawbacks:
Patients can return to normal function within hours, making this a comfortable, safe, and far more practical alternative.
Compared to traditional open surgery, ultrasound-guided decompression offers several benefits:
Because the procedure is so precise and minimally invasive, recovery is simple and almost effortless.
Immediate post-op care – Cold and compression can be used to reduce swelling and manage pain.
Most patients drive, work, and resume everyday life within 24 hours.
It is an elegant, patient-centred procedure that redefines what recovery from hand surgery can be.
Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility within weeks,.
At Orthopaedic Innovation our purpose is centred around innovating and providing more effective ways to treat our patients.
We have redefined techniques in ligament reconstruction, advanced joint preservation through osteotomy surgery, introduced biological alternatives to joint replacement, and pioneered the Kley Rapid Hip Replacement — a minimally invasive, rapid-recovery technique that has transformed hip surgery.
Now, another exciting innovation is the ability to perform a carpal tunnel decompression through a tiny puncture at the wrist, completed in minutes using real-time ultrasound guidance.
This groundbreaking approach removes the need for large incisions, tourniquets, or bulky bandages, and allows patients to regain full hand function within hours, with no elaborate aftercare.
In France, where this technique was developed, it now represents 30% of all carpal tunnel operations , proving its safety and success.
In the UK, however, 99.9% of procedures are still performed using the traditional open method.
Our goal is to change that - leading the adoption of this clearly superior, patient-centred technique.
