Microinvasive Carpal Tunnel Release Using a Retractable Needle-Mounted Blade

Abstract

We report 166 microinvasive ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel releases using the MICROi-Blade (Summit Medical Products, Inc, Sandy, UT), a needle-based tool for cutting under ultrasound guidance. The 6-month follow-up of the first 21 cases, including 5 bilateral releases, showed a progressive reduction in median pain scores, Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire (BCTQ) Symptom Severity Scale scores, and BCTQ Functional Status Scale scores. The median return to work was 7 days. The 3-month follow-up of 62 subsequent cases showed similar improvement in the BCTQ scores and return to work. There were no complications. This report supports the effectiveness of the technique.