Dynamic ultrasound for evaluating the adequacy of median nerve decompression following minimally invasive carpal tunnel release: technical innovation and case study

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive carpal tunnel release has recently emerged as the primary surgical approach for recalcitrant carpal tunnel syndrome. A major concern related to surgical failure with this technique is the incomplete release of the flexor retinaculum. CASE PRESENTATION: We developed a technique using dynamic ultrasound for evaluating the adequacy of median nerve decompression following minimally invasive carpal tunnel release. This novel imaging method was applied to two patients who showed significant symptom relief after the intervention. This case study also provides details of the dynamic ultrasound protocol and highlights the advantages of this technique. CONCLUSION: Dynamic ultrasound imaging can be used to confirm the completeness of carpal tunnel decompression. A large-scale prospective trial should be conducted to validate whether additional dynamic ultrasound examination can improve the outcome of minimally invasive carpal tunnel release.