We have answers. The Ovation Technique an FAQS
The physicians will evaluate your case either through a physical exam or phone consultation to determine if this is possible, given your specific case.
Because we are able to use a local anesthetic, you are awake which significantly lowers the risk of the procedure. However, your hand is numb, and you will not feel a thing. Additionally, you will have calming Nature TV to view during the procedure and can also listen to music.
Absolutely. Instead of cutting the hand and wrist open to view and cut through the carpal ligament, the Ovation Hand Institute utilizes ultrasound technology to guide a piece of thread to cut the carpal ligament. The thread is routed in the hand using a needle with only two small punctures as entry and exit points, and the thread is looped around the ligament and gently makes the cut.
Yes! We take most major insurance carriers. Please give us a call at (844)432.1600 to confirm your insurance is in-network. We will help you get pre-authorization for the procedure.
Because the Ovation Technique is much less invasive than the endoscopic or open surgery, there is less scar tissue that can form. In the five years this procedure has been done, we have had zero reoccurrences. Reoccurrence is likely to occur when there is a significant amount of scar tissue that forms, which can happen by having the open or endoscopic surgery.
Please plan to be at our clinic for about an hour on the day of the procedure. The procedure itself only takes approximately 15 minutes.
For people that do light office work or driving without any manual labor, you can return to work the next day. If you do more repetitive work, work on an assembly line or in a factory, or work with mechanical tools, it depends on how much repetitive activity and lifting you do on a daily basis. Most people are back to full activity within a week.
Most people have immediate relief, but results are individual and depend on how long you have had carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have not had carpal tunnel syndrome for a long period of time, your symptoms are expected to improve quickly, particularly nighttime pain. If you have suffered for many years the numbness and tingling will improve more gradually due to nerve damage from the extended period of carpal tunnel syndrome. Your doctor will help you understand your individual situation.
Yes, we do require that all patients have the EMG (electromyography) prior to the procedure. This is a requirement because the EMG testing is used to formally diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome.
People often feel burning, tingling, or numbness in their hand and wrist, particularly at night or first thing in the morning. Many people often wake at night feeling the need to “shake out” their hand. Additionally, some people experience weakness in their hands and fingers that results in trouble gripping or holding objects.
Conservative treatments for carpal tunnel syndrome include splinting, medications, injections, and stretching exercises. If these treatments are ineffective, surgery is the next step. Many people don’t move forward with surgery because of the risk and recovery time. However, now at the Ovation Hand Institute people that suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome can get immediate relief and have a quick recovery, without an extended time away from work.
Open and close the hand several times an hour to prevent the fingers from stiffening up. Avoid doing a lot of repetitive activity, such as typing. Otherwise, there is no physical or occupational therapy after the procedure.
If your insurance company denies the procedure coverage, we will offer our services at a discounted rate. We will work with you to get you the help you need! Additionally, you can continue conservative care of your symptoms, including wearing a wrist brace and perhaps receiving a carpal tunnel steroid injection. We perform the injections at our office as well.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The result is pain, numbness and restricted movement in the hand and fingers. It also interferes with sleep quality. It affects a variety of people, most often those who work with their hands in repetitive motions.
Other risk factors for carpal tunnel syndrome include past fractures and injuries, diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The disorder affects millions of people worldwide. If left untreated, muscles can atrophy, and the effects are often irreversible.
If you still have symptoms after several weeks to months of non-surgical treatment, you can consider surgery. Additionally, you can consider surgery if your symptoms are severe and restrict your normal daily activities, or interfere with your work. Finally, if you have damage to the median nerve or risk of nerve damage, you should consider surgery to prevent further damage.
You shouldn’t lift more than 10-20 pounds for two weeks.
Your hand needs to stay dry for about two to three days. It will be wrapped in gauze until your follow-up visit. While bathing, you can keep your hand dry by putting a plastic bag over it and securing it with tape or a rubber band.
You should try to avoid tightly gripping and pushing off with the heel of your hand. If you have pain with a particular motion, please don’t do it right away. You will be able to do more gradually.
Please have a driver or arrange for transportation since your hand will be numb for a couple of hours after the procedure. We are happy to assist you in securing an Uber or Lyft.
You can take Tylenol and/or ibuprofen to help with any pain or swelling. Also, rest and ice help to manage any pain after the procedure.