Utah Hand Center celebrates milestone in carpal tunnel surgeries

MURRAY, Utah — The Utah Hand Center said in a press release that it has successfully performed 3,000 endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgeries. It is the first medical practice in the U.S. to reach that number. 

The center is part of The Orthopedic Specialty Hospital.  As part of Intermountain Health, TOSH works to provide patients with orthopedic and sports medicine treatments. 

“Executing such a high volume of these procedures successfully serves as a testament to the hard work and commitment of our dedicated team,” said Dr. William Gowski, a hand surgeon at TOSH.  

Johns Hopkins Medicine described carpal tunnel syndrome as a compression of the median nerve within the wrist. The rather common overuse injuries are described as numbness, weakness, tingling, or pain in the hand or wrist. 

According to Intermountain Health, carpal tunnel release surgeries are performed on patients while they are awake. A small incision is made and the transverse carpal ligament is cut, releasing pressure. 

After the surgery, patients are still able to use their hand and wrist. The press release said that patients who have undergone the procedure have reported “significant improvements” in their condition. 

How do I prevent carpal tunnel syndrome? 

Non-surgical interventions are tried before carpal tunnel patients receive surgery. However, there are ways to prevent it before it happens. 

First, New York University’s Langone Health recommended minimizing repetitive movements. Aim to alternate tasks to give your hands and wrists rest from them. 

When you work with your hands, take breaks often. Cleveland Clinic recommends stretching your hands and wrists after intense or drawn-out activity.

Furthermore, warming up your hands and wrists before repetitive activities can prevent injury. 

Finally, if you work at a desk or computer for extended periods of time, ensure your workspace is wrist-friendly. Keep your forearms level with the table you are working on.

If you begin experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, reach out to a medical professional to receive advice. 

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