Ultrasound-Guided Microinvasive Carpal Tunnel Release Using a Novel Retractable Needle-Mounted Blade: A Cadaveric Study

J Ultrasound Med. 2018 Aug;37(8):2075-2081. doi: 10.1002/jum.14549. Epub 2018 Feb 16.

Abstract

Ultrasound (US)-guided microinvasive procedures are defined as those performed via needles without notable scarring. Ten cadaver hands underwent US-guided microinvasive carpal tunnel release using a novel needle-based tool, the micro i-Blade (Summit Medical Products, Inc, Sandy, UT). A US-imaged landmark, the inflexion point of the ligaments distal to the hook of the hamate, was used to position the distal extent of the cut. The transverse carpal ligament was successfully released in all hands without damage to nerves or arteries. In 3 specimens, the fascia between the thenar and hypothenar muscles was partly preserved, whereas the palmar aponeurosis was partly cut in 1 specimen. The micro i-Blade with the cutting knife retracted was also useful as a probe palpated through the palm of the cadaver hand, to test the release of the transverse carpal ligament and to guide the procedure.

Keywords: carpal tunnel release; invasive techniques; musculoskeletal (interventional); peripheral nerve; rheumatology; sports medicine/orthopedics; ultrasound; ultrasound guidance.

MeSH terms

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Median Nerve / surgery*
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / instrumentation*
  • Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Needles
  • Surgical Instruments
  • Ultrasonography, Interventional / methods*
  • Wrist Joint