THE GUO TECHNIQUE™

Symptoms, which may worsen at night, include:

• Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring finger.
• Relief from shaking the affected hand.
• Pain, often radiating up the forearm toward the shoulder.
• Weakness with gripping or trouble with delicate hand movements.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is common among people who perform frequent, forceful, or repetitive hand and wrist movements. Regular use of hand-held vibrating power tools drastically increases the risk. It is also common among those with health conditions such as diabetes, pregnancy (fluid retention), wrist injuries, obesity, or arthritis.

Left untreated, the condition can result in permanent nerve damage or muscle deterioration at the base of the thumb. It is important to see a doctor as soon as symptoms disrupt daily life or sleep.

Most cases start with conservative options: nighttime wrist splinting to keep the wrist neutral, activity modification, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroid injections, ergonomic adjustments, or physical therapy.

If ineffective, surgery can be performed to cut the transverse carpal ligament (TCL) to relieve pressure on the median nerve and restore function. Traditional and endoscopic surgeries require a skin incision and 8-12 weeks of recovery. The Guo Technique™ does not require an incision, leaving just two needle punctures in the skin with patients often experiencing immediate relief and a speedy recovery.

• Minimally invasive, no scalpel, and no incisions
• Minimal pain
• Little downtime
• Performed in-office
• No rehabilitation needed

After undergoing the Guo Technique™, patients are generally able to use their hand for normal daily activities the same day. Grip strength generally remains stable and gradually increases in the weeks post-procedure.

First, numbing medication is used to prepare the hand and wrist. Ultrasound imaging is used to precisely view the anatomy of the wrist. This allows the doctor to guide a long, thin needle through the base of the hand, under the transverse carpal ligament, and exiting the wrist. A fine thread is inserted through the needle. The needle is removed, leaving the thread in place.

A second needle is inserted in the existing hole in the hand, guided by ultrasound over the transverse carpal ligament and through the existing hole in the wrist. The thread is fed through the second needle, leaving both thread ends exiting the hole in the hand with the thread looped around the ligament.

The special thread is moved back and forth in a sawing motion to cleanly divide the ligament.

Once divided, there is immediately space. The pressure on the nerve is relieved and most patients feel immediate relief.