Sports Orthopedics & Spine

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Sports Orthopedic & Spine — Jackson & Dyersburg, TN

Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release

A minimally invasive solution to carpal tunnel syndrome — offered in-office by Dr. Keith D. Nord, MD.

Questions or ready to schedule? Call our office at (731) 427-7888.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve is compressed as it passes through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This tunnel houses the median nerve and flexor tendons that bend the fingers. The median nerve supplies sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger and helps control fine thumb movements.

When this nerve is squeezed, people commonly experience numbness, tingling, burning, or an “electric” sensation in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. Symptoms are often worse at night, may wake you from sleep, and can flare with activities that involve gripping, typing, or using tools. Over time, the condition can become progressive, leading to weakness, dropping objects, and difficulty with tasks that require hand strength or coordination.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common in adults who perform repetitive hand or wrist motions, work with vibrating tools, or have medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or arthritis. It affects both men and women, and is especially common in women and in people whose work or hobbies involve frequent hand use.

Traditional vs. Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release

Traditional Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery

  • Requires a larger 1–2 inch incision in the palm to access the carpal tunnel.
  • Typically performed in a hospital or ambulatory surgery center.
  • Often requires general anesthesia or a regional nerve block.
  • Uses sutures to close the incision, which must be cared for and later removed.
  • Recovery usually takes 4–6 weeks before returning to unrestricted activities.
  • Higher risk of postoperative soreness, stiffness, and pillar pain at the base of the palm that can last for months.

Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release (MUSA)

  • Tiny 3–4 mm incision near the wrist instead of a large incision in the palm.
  • Performed entirely in our office procedure suite — no hospital or surgery center required.
  • Uses local anesthesia to numb the area; you remain awake and comfortable.
  • Real-time ultrasound visualization helps protect nearby nerves, tendons, and blood vessels.
  • Most patients return to light activities within a few days instead of weeks.
  • Minimal scarring, no sutures needed in many cases, and proven safety and effectiveness in peer-reviewed studies.

Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release

Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release (MUSA) is designed to provide the same lasting nerve relief as traditional surgery with a smaller incision, quicker recovery, and the convenience of an in-office procedure.

  • Performed entirely in the office — no hospital or surgery center needed.
  • Local anesthesia only — no sedation and no risks associated with general anesthesia for most patients.
  • Procedure time of about 15–20 minutes, with most of your visit spent on preparation and recovery instructions.
  • Patients drive home the same day in most cases, once the brief observation period is complete.
  • Return to light activities within 1–3 days, depending on your job and comfort level.
  • Smaller incision with less scarring, often closed with adhesive strips instead of stitches.
  • Real-time ultrasound guidance helps protect nerves, tendons, and blood vessels during the procedure.
  • Lower overall cost than traditional surgery by avoiding hospital and anesthesia facility fees, with peer-reviewed evidence showing similar clinical outcomes to open surgery.

What to Expect

From your first visit to your follow-up appointment, Dr. Keith D. Nord, MD and the team at Sports Orthopedic & Spine guide you through each step of ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release.

  • 1. Initial consultation: Dr. Nord reviews your symptoms, medical history, and prior treatments, and performs a focused hand and wrist examination.
  • 2. Confirming the diagnosis: Nerve conduction studies and, in some cases, additional imaging are used to confirm carpal tunnel syndrome and rule out other causes of hand symptoms.
  • 3. In-office procedure day: On the day of your ultrasound-guided release, you arrive at our office, have your wrist cleansed and prepared, and receive local anesthetic to numb the area. You remain awake and able to communicate throughout the procedure.
  • 4. The ultrasound-guided release: Using real-time ultrasound, Dr. Nord makes a tiny 3–4 mm incision, gently guides a specialized instrument into the carpal tunnel, and releases the transverse carpal ligament while carefully protecting nearby nerves, tendons, and blood vessels.
  • 5. Post-procedure care: A small bandage is placed over the incision. You are given written instructions on bandage care, activity limits, and pain control. Most patients are able to move their fingers right away.
  • 6. Follow-up and recovery: Follow-up visits allow Dr. Nord to monitor healing, remove sutures if used, and help you safely progress back to work, hobbies, and sports.

Am I a Candidate?

Most patients with confirmed carpal tunnel syndrome who have not improved with conservative treatment are good candidates for ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release.

  • You have numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Nerve conduction studies and/or ultrasound imaging support the diagnosis.
  • You have tried non-surgical treatments such as wrist splints, activity changes, and possibly corticosteroid injections without lasting relief.
  • You do not have severe wrist deformity, extensive scar tissue, or certain prior surgeries that would make a minimally invasive approach unsafe.
  • You are looking for a less invasive option that uses local anesthesia and allows a faster return to daily activities.

During your visit, Dr. Keith D. Nord, MD will carefully evaluate your symptoms, perform a focused examination, review any nerve testing, and discuss all appropriate treatment options so you can decide together whether ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release is right for you.

Ready to Find Relief?

If carpal tunnel symptoms are interfering with your work, sleep, or favorite activities, you do not have to live with ongoing numbness or pain. Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release offers a minimally invasive way to relieve pressure on the median nerve and restore comfort and hand function.

To find out whether this in-office procedure is right for you, schedule a consultation with Dr. Keith D. Nord, MD at Sports Orthopedic & Spine.

Call to schedule:
Jackson: (731) 427-7888
Dyersburg: (731) 427-7888

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