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Man Holding His Wrist In Pain Above His Laptop Ultrasound Guided Carpal Tunnel Release

The Advantages of Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel specialists at The Bone & Joint Surgery clinic offer ultra–minimally invasive carpal tunnel release under ultrasound guidance.

But what exactly is this surgery, and why is it better? 

What Is Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release?

All carpal tunnel releases work by releasing pressure off of an important nerve at the level of the wrist, called the median nerve.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is very common, approximately 1 out of every 20 Americans has it. That is A LOT of people.  It causes numbness, tingling, and pain, especially in the thumb, pointer finger, and middle finger. It is often worse at night.  Patients often have to change what they are doing, or shake their hands out to make their symptoms feel better.

Unfortunately, many of these patients do not want carpal tunnel release, even though this procedure would cure their symptoms and help them to sleep through the night. Carpal tunnel release would also allow them to stay active and independent.  

There are many reasons why those with carpal tunnel syndrome avoid surgery, but the fear of surgery, either the pain or anxiety of the procedure, or the fear of prolonged healing and pain after the surgery, are most likely the main reasons. Economic concerns are another reason. 

Advantages of the Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release Procedure

This procedure can be done with only a small amount of numbing medicine on the palm. This means that no “sleeping tube” needs to be placed down the patient’s throat. 

Expensive and painful nerve blocks are also not necessary.  This type of surgery is less expensive for the patient and also is a great option for patients with other medical issues that make anesthesia difficult.

Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release also is performed without a tourniquet.  A tourniquet is a tight band that squeezes the arm being operated on so that the surgeon can see.  Because Bone & Joint doctors use ultrasound guidance, a tourniquet is not used.

Finally, this procedure is done through a very tiny poke incision.  Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release is the most precise way of releasing the pressure on your nerve without cutting and harming things that are not involved with causing the carpal tunnel syndrome. 

This tiny poke incision is located on the forearm near the wrist. It is placed to avoid incisions on the palm that are more likely to be painful and interfere with activities after surgery.  As a result, many patients who have USG carpal tunnel release return to all activities right away. No splint is necessary after surgery.

Let Our Ultrasound-Guided Carpal Tunnel Release Procedure Provide the Relief You Need

Do you have carpal tunnel syndrome?  Does anyone you know or love have carpal tunnel syndrome?  If so, call 919-872-5296 to schedule a visit with a North Carolina carpal tunnel specialist in Raleigh!

Arthroscopic Knee Surgery and Recovery

8 Advantages of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery and Recovery

Did your last tennis game leave you with an extensive shoulder injury? Maybe you’ve torn your rotator cuff or injured your knee on the basketball court. You want to get back into the game as soon as possible. For many knee injuries, arthroscopic knee surgery is a viable treatment option that is minimally invasive and highly effective. 

At Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, we’re proud to offer the latest, state-of-the-art arthroscopic surgical treatment to help us treat and diagnose problems within your joints. It also produces successful outcomes, especially for arthroscopic knee surgery and recovery. 

Not sure what to expect after arthroscopic knee surgery? We’ve got the answers you need as well as 8 distinct advantages of utilizing this minimally invasive surgical technique.

What Is Arthroscopic Surgery?

This procedure is instrumental in diagnosing joint problems. It involves making a narrow incision and inserting a thin tube (called an arthroscope) that is attached to a tiny, fiber-optic video camera. Then the images are relayed to a video monitor so one of our orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh can carefully evaluate the problem area.

Depending upon the extent and scope of the injury, your surgeon may be able to repair the problem using small surgical instruments that are also inserted through very small incisions. It’s particularly useful in arthroscopic knee surgery and recovery.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at eight of the main advantages of arthroscopic surgery.

8 Advantages of Arthroscopic Surgery

1. Smaller incisions

Because the arthroscope only needs a tiny incision, your recovery is faster. There’s also less blood loss as compared to an “open” procedure where larger incisions have to be made.

2. It can be performed as an outpatient

Due to its minimally invasive technique, arthroscopic surgery can be performed as an outpatient. This is not only more economical, but it also means that you can return home several hours after the surgery.

3. You can return to work faster

Not only can you return home a few hours after your procedure, but in general, many patients resume work and regular activities within a few days. (However, athletes and those who are very active in sports may need to wait a few weeks before returning to their routine.) This is one of the key benefits of arthroscopic knee surgery and recovery.

4. It minimizes trauma to healthy tissue

With a traditional, “open” procedure, some tissue may need to be cut to give the orthopedic surgeon access to the problem area. 

5. Less scarring

Because arthroscopic surgery is conducted using tiny incisions, it minimizes scar tissue because the surgeon is able to easily adjust the tiny tools to get access to the problem area. This means less damage to healthy tissue.

When the procedure is completed, you’ll only have evidence of a small incision where the arthroscope was placed. 

6. Reduced risk of infection

Because the incisions are so small, less internal tissue is exposed, which greatly reduces the risk of infection.

7. Less postoperative pain

It’s common to experience some discomfort and pain after any surgery. However, with arthroscopic surgery, the postoperative pain is much less because the incisions were so small. It’s one of the great benefits of arthroscopic knee surgery and recovery. 

8. Less blood loss during surgery

After arthroscopic knee surgery and recovery, patients find that they have lost less blood than they would have with an “open” procedure. This is because arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive. 

What to Expect After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Arthroscopic knee surgery and recovery varies according to each patient’s individual situation. There is no magic formula to determine how long it will take you to fully recover.

However, we have compiled this general guideline on what to expect after arthroscopic knee surgery.

The week of the surgery, you’ll find that you may be able to walk with minimal pain. As we discussed, this is because the arthroscope uses small incisions instead of one large “open” incision. During this first week, you’ll likely need to use a walker or cane. This will help take some of the pressure off your knee.

During this time, we’ll examine you to monitor how your healing is progressing. At this point, we may recommend physical therapy, depending upon your individual situation.

When Can I Return to Work After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?

This is perhaps the most common question we receive, and there is no one answer. A lot of it depends upon the type of work you do. For example, someone who has a desk job will be able to return to work sooner than someone who has a job that requires a lot of manual labor. In general, you can return to work within two to six weeks after surgery. The most important thing to remember is to speak with us before you begin working. Failure to do so could cause you to re-injure yourself. 

Within three to four months after surgery, you’ll notice great improvements in both your strength and range of motion. While you still may have swelling and pain, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying some of your regular activities. However, please speak with us before you engage in any high-contact sports, as these could lead to reinjury.

The Raleigh Bone Joint Surgery Clinic Is the Area’s Leader in Arthroscopic Surgery 

All of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons in Raleigh have received extensive training and are experts in arthroscopic surgery. We’ve worked with hundreds of area patients to help them return to the activities they once loved. Because arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive, you can expect to return to work faster with minimal pain and scarring.

Want to discover more? Just contact us to schedule an appointment. 

what is a partial knee replacement

What Is a Partial Knee Replacement?

 

Partial Knee replacements have given millions of Americans a new outlook on life, enabling them to return to the activities they love. It’s one of the most innovative, successful procedures in medical history.

Our Raleigh knee surgeons have performed more knee replacements than any other group in the Triangle area. It’s always rewarding to watch our patients retain their functionality, enabling them to once again participate in their favorite sports or hobbies.

We’ll examine some aspects of this procedure in greater detail, including how to know if you need a knee replacement and what happens during partial knee replacement surgery.

Partial vs Total Knee Replacement: What’s the Difference

A partial knee replacement occurs when only a portion of the knee is resurfaced, replacing damaged cartilage with metal and plastic components. It’s an ideal solution when the damage is limited to a particular area of the knee. You may also hear this procedure referred to as a “unicompartmental knee replacement.”

In a total knee replacement, the entire joint is removed and replaced with an artificial one.

What Are the Advantages of a Partial Knee Surgery?

There are several advantages to this type of surgery, including:

  • Smaller incisions
  • Faster recovery
  • Less time in the hospital
  • A quicker return to regular activities

When Is a Partial Knee Replacement Recommended?

Most candidates come to our knee replacement surgeons as a result of osteoarthritis of the knee. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. This condition occurs when the cartilage in the knee starts to wear away. This cartilage is vital for cushioning the ends of your bones, and when it is damaged, it causes pain and stiffness that makes it difficult to complete everyday activities.

If not treated in a timely manner, the pain can become worse as the damage continues.

Sometimes, non-surgical treatments such as medication or corticosteroid injections can reduce the pain. Physical therapy may also help.

However, when these measures are not successful, a knee replacement surgery or partial knee replacement may be in order.

Who Is a Candidate for a Partial Knee Replacement?

The key in determining whether or not you’re a candidate depends upon the extent of the arthritic damage to your joint. For a partial replacement, the arthritis must be limited to a certain area.

To be eligible, you can NOT have any of the following conditions:

  • Extensive stiffness in your knee
  • Damaged ligaments
  • Inflammatory arthritis

Not sure if you’re a candidate? Don’t worry. We will work with you to determine if surgery is a good option for you or if you would be best served through nonsurgical techniques. We recognize that each patient is different, and that’s why we’re dedicated to creating an approach perfectly tailored to your needs.

What Happens During a Partial Knee Replacement Surgery?

Once one of our knee surgeons in Raleigh has pinpointed the exact compartment of the knee that has been damaged, we’ll start creating a surgical plan.

Typically, the procedure takes from 1 to 2 hours. You’ll be under general anesthesia, meaning you will be “asleep” for the surgery.

Our knee surgeon will make a small incision and then use specialized surgical saws to remove damaged cartilage from your knee. It’s then replaced with metal coverages that will recreate the joint’s surface. Our knee surgeons use a special type of surgical cement to adhere the metal to the bone.

Afterward, a spacer is inserted. Its purpose is to ensure there is a smooth surface around the metal components. This enables the knee to glide effortlessly.

Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic: The Treatment You Need with the Compassionate Care You Deserve

Not everyone who has osteoarthritis of the knee will need a knee replacement. Often, we can provide solutions through nonsurgical treatment. However, if you do need a total or partial knee replacement, we will create a detailed care plan for your surgery and recovery.

For decades, we’ve been the leading orthopedic practice in the Triangle area—and one of the few that are independent and community-based.

We believe patient choice is important, and that’s why our knee surgeons are affiliated with 5 local hospitals and outpatient surgery centers. This provides our patients with options of where they would like to receive their care.

We would welcome the opportunity to help you get back to the life you love. Please contact us for an appointment.

Woman holding hand following surgery.

How Should I Sleep After Hand Surgery?

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The first and best way to stay comfortable after hand and wrist surgery is to fully understand the human body’s response to the surgery itself. Our cells, nerves, tendons, and muscles see and respond to surgical procedures in the same way they respond to an accident or injury.

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The Bone & Joint Surgery Clinic is Pleased to Welcome Dr. Johnny T. Nelson to our Practice

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It was a shoulder condition that ignited Dr. Nelson’s interest in orthopaedics.

While at the University of Dallas, he played starting flanker for the university’s rugby football club. This was when he developed problems with his shoulder that ultimately needed surgery. This gives him a unique perspective from the point of view of both doctor and patient.

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