Re: percutaneous balloon carptal tunnel plasty surgery

In Reply to: Re: percutaneous balloon carptal tunnel plasty surgery posted by dmm on February 18, 2004 at 21:37:43:

: : Walt,

: : From what I read, and I too only found snip-its of info probably because it is a new proceedure with very little known about it, they stick a balloon into your carpal tunnel to hold it open. What does not make sense is that, if they stick a balloon in there to open it, the CT may be held open, but now there is a balloon in the way, still using up the excess room! They fix one proplem and replace it with another. What did your doctor tell you about this proceedure?

: : Mandi

: : : New to the board--have not located a "search" function. Am curious if anyone has had this type of surgery or knows of a site that can give detailed information regarding it. I have been able to find a paragraph or two with general info. but nothing real specific. Thanks

: What I read indicates that it's not a widely accepted procedure yet. The balloon theoretically would work to stretch the transverse carpal ligament, allowing more room for the flexors and the nerve once the balloon is removed, but what's to stop the ligament from retightening?

Sorry for the double post to my own message above. Also sorry for the poor spelling etc. but certainly did not post accurately. In any event...I'll keep investigating and pass the info. on. Thanks.

Walt