Compare Treatment Options - Ultrasound Guided vs. Endoscopic vs. Traditional Mini-Open

Three Leading Surgical Techniques, Explained Side by Side
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No stitches

No need for anaesthetist

No skin cutting

Three Techniques, One Goal: Relieving Pressure on the Median Nerve

Carpal tunnel syndrome affects millions of people, particularly those who perform repetitive hand movements. When non-surgical options haven’t given enough relief, there are three leading surgical techniques available. Each differs in how it accesses the carpal tunnel, the size of the incision required, and the recovery involved. Read on to see how they compare.
Our Technique

Carpal Tunnel Australia's Primary Procedure: Ultrasound Guided Micro-Invasive Release

Dr. Thomaz Silva – About ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release.

This technique releases the transverse ligament with nearly no incision, guided by ultrasound that allows direct, real-time observation of important structures. The procedure is performed through a hollow needle called a cannula, with very little soft tissue damage and bleeding.

Under ultrasonic guidance, a cutting tool is placed through the cannula and advanced to the transverse carpal ligament, which is then released. The wound does not need to be closed with stitches, as access was obtained with a needle. The resulting scar is at least 10 times smaller than traditional methods, and patients typically experience a more rapid and complete return to work and usual activities, at least 1 to 2 weeks sooner than open surgery.

Nearly no incision

No stitches
Fastest recovery
Smallest scar

Dr. Thomaz Silva – About ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release.

Disclaimer: This video contains graphic content involving a surgical procedure.

Traditional Approach

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

Disclaimer: This video contains graphic content involving a surgical procedure.

Endoscopic release is a minimally invasive surgical technique that relieves pressure on the median nerve using one or two small tubular devices, with smaller cuts than traditional open surgery.

A 2 to 3cm cut is made on the wrist, and an endoscope, a tube with a camera attached, is positioned under the carpal ligament. Cutting tools are guided through a second 2 to 3cm cut on the palm of the hand. The endoscope lets the doctor see structures in the wrist, most importantly the transverse carpal ligament, without creating a large incision.

Two small incisions
Camera guided
Faster than open surgery

Traditional Approach

Traditional Mini-Open Carpal Tunnel Surgical Release

Disclaimer: This video  contains graphic content involving a surgical procedure.

Mini-Open Carpal Tunnel Release is a traditional surgical method that requires an incision over the carpal tunnel area to directly access and cut the transverse carpal ligament.

A large 6-7cm cut is made on the palm of the hand and tissues below the skin are cut and moved aside so the doctor can see the transverse carpal ligament.

Once the ligament is cut, the pressure in the nerve is released. The tissues scar up deeply and superficially. This method allows the doctor to identify the structures through direct vision, avoiding injury to important structures. To reach the transverse carpal tissue (carpal tunnel tissue) which lies deeper, the doctor must cut through fatty tissues and a thick protective tissue called the palmar fascia. This can result in a thicker and more sensitive scar.

This approach leads to longer recovery & scarring compared to the other two options. The usual time for the tissue to heal is 6-8 weeks, with the scar typically taking longer.

This method allows direct visual identification of structures, helping to avoid injury to important tissue. To reach the carpal tunnel tissue, which lies deeper, the surgeon must cut through fatty tissue and a thick protective layer called the palmar fascia. This can result in a thicker, more sensitive scar, with tissue scarring both deeply and superficially. This approach generally leads to a longer recovery and more noticeable scarring compared to the other two options.

Larger incision

Direct visualisation

Longest recovery

Disclaimer: This video  contains graphic content involving a surgical procedure.

Post-Surgical Scars from the 3 Techniques

A visual comparison of typical scarring after each procedure. Individual healing varies, and these images are illustrative rather than a guarantee of outcome.

Traditional Mini-Open Surgery
Endoscopy Surgery
Micro-Invasive Ultrasound-Guided

At a Glance

A side-by-side summary of how the three techniques compare.
Consideration Ultrasound Guided Micro-Invasive Endoscopic Release Mini-Open Release
Access point Hollow needle (cannula), nearly no incision One or two cuts, 2 to 3cm each Single cut, 6 to 7cm
Visualisation Real-time ultrasound imaging Endoscope camera Direct vision
Stitches required No Yes, typically Yes
Scarring At least 10x smaller than traditional methods Smaller than open surgery, two scars Larger, deeper and superficial scarring
Return to normal activity Fastest, 1 to 2 weeks sooner than open surgery Faster than open surgery Longest recovery period

A Practice You Can Verify

We know carpal tunnel treatment without a scalpel can sound too good to be true. Here is the evidence behind our approach, so you can check it for yourself.

AHPRA-registered practitioners

Every procedure is carried out by a medical practitioner registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. [Insert registration number/link for verification]

College of Microinvasive Procedural Medicine

Our technique is taught and credentialed through the CMPM, which sets training standards for the micro-invasive release procedure across Australia.

Featured on Channel 7 & Channel 9

Our pioneering work with the micro-invasive 'iBlade' technique has been covered by national news, reflecting growing recognition of this approach in Australia.

700+ procedures performed

A documented track record across our clinics in Sydney, Canberra and Adelaide, with outcomes and recovery data discussed openly during consultations.

Book Your Consultation Today

Speak with an AHPRA-registered practitioner about your symptoms and find out whether micro-invasive treatment is right for you. No referral required for an initial consultation.
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