Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release: Advanced Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Durango
Dr. Brian Butzen MD has been helping patients in Durango overcome carpal tunnel syndrome since 2013. As a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand, wrist, and shoulder conditions, Dr. Butzen brings over a decade of experience to the Four Corners region. His patients at Animas Orthopedic Associates consistently report excellent outcomes and high satisfaction with their endoscopic carpal tunnel release procedures. Dr. Butzen's commitment to the Durango community extends beyond his main practice, as he also serves patients at his satellite clinic in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
Just last month, a local teacher came to Dr. Butzen's office unable to grade papers without her hands going numb. She'd been wearing wrist braces to bed and taking breaks every few minutes while typing. After her endoscopic carpal tunnel release, she returned to work pain-free within two weeks. Stories like hers happen regularly in Dr. Butzen's practice, where advanced surgical techniques meet personalized care.
What is Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release?
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release represents a major advancement in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Unlike traditional open surgery, this minimally invasive technique uses a tiny camera called an endoscope to guide the procedure. The Durango hand surgeon makes one or two small incisions, each less than half an inch long, instead of the longer incision required for open surgery.
During the procedure, Dr. Butzen inserts the endoscope through the small incision to see inside the carpal tunnel. He then uses specialized instruments to cut the transverse carpal ligament, the thick band of tissue that's pressing on the median nerve. This creates more space for the nerve and relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The entire procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes and can be performed under local anesthesia with sedation. Many patients go home the same day and return to light activities within a few days.
Understanding Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome affects millions of Americans each year. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway in your wrist, about the size of your thumb. Nine tendons and one nerve - the median nerve - pass through this tight space. When the tissues around these tendons swell, they squeeze the median nerve, causing the symptoms you feel.
The median nerve controls feeling in your thumb, index finger, middle finger, and part of your ring finger. It also controls some small muscles at the base of your thumb. When this nerve gets compressed, you might experience:
Numbness or tingling in your fingers
Pain that shoots up your arm
Weakness in your hand
Difficulty gripping objects
Dropping things unexpectedly
Dr. Butzen often sees patients from Durango, Cortez, Farmington, and Pagosa Springs who describe waking up at night with numb hands. They shake their hands to get feeling back, but the symptoms return. This happens because many people sleep with bent wrists, which puts more pressure on the already compressed nerve.
Why Choose Endoscopic Over Traditional Surgery?
The benefits of endoscopic carpal tunnel release over traditional open surgery are significant. Dr. Butzen has performed both types of procedures and has seen firsthand how the endoscopic approach improves patient outcomes.
Smaller Scars: Traditional carpal tunnel surgery requires a 2-3 inch incision across the palm. Endoscopic surgery uses incisions that are less than half an inch long. These smaller scars are less noticeable and heal faster.
Faster Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities sooner with endoscopic surgery. While everyone heals differently, many people can use their hands for light activities within days rather than weeks.
Less Pain: The smaller incisions and reduced tissue disruption typically result in less post-operative pain. Patients often need fewer pain medications and for shorter periods.
Better Grip Strength: Studies show that grip strength returns faster after endoscopic surgery. This matters for people who work with their hands or enjoy activities like gardening, crafting, or playing musical instruments.
One of Dr. Butzen's patients, a rancher from outside Durango, needed to get back to handling cattle and equipment quickly. The endoscopic approach allowed him to return to light ranch work within a week, whereas traditional surgery might have kept him out of commission for several weeks.
The Endoscopic Procedure: What to Expect
Dr. Butzen begins every endoscopic carpal tunnel release with a thorough examination and discussion of your symptoms. He reviews your medical history and may order nerve conduction studies to confirm the diagnosis and severity of your carpal tunnel syndrome.
On the day of surgery, you'll arrive at the outpatient surgery center in Durango. The procedure itself follows these steps:
Preparation: You'll receive local anesthesia to numb your hand and wrist. Dr. Butzen may also provide light sedation to help you relax.
Small Incisions: He makes one or two tiny incisions, depending on the specific endoscopic technique used. These incisions are strategically placed to avoid sensitive areas of your palm.
Endoscope Insertion: A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the incision. This allows Dr. Butzen to see inside your carpal tunnel on a video monitor.
Ligament Release: Using specialized instruments, he carefully cuts the transverse carpal ligament that's compressing your median nerve. The camera provides clear visualization throughout this process.
Closure: The small incisions are closed with a few stitches or surgical tape. Your hand is bandaged, but no cast is needed.
The entire procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes. Most patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the process is.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from endoscopic carpal tunnel release is generally faster and easier than traditional surgery. Dr. Butzen provides detailed aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible outcome.
First Few Days: Keep your hand elevated when possible to reduce swelling. You can remove the bandage after 24-48 hours and shower normally. Light use of your fingers is encouraged, but avoid heavy gripping or lifting.
First Week: Most patients return to office work within a few days. You'll have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Butzen to check your incisions and discuss your progress.
2-4 Weeks: Grip strength typically returns during this period. Many patients report that their nighttime symptoms disappear first, followed by improvement in daytime numbness and tingling.
Long-term: Full recovery usually occurs within 6-12 weeks. Dr. Butzen monitors your progress and adjusts activity recommendations based on your healing.
A recent patient, an artist from Pagosa Springs, was able to return to detailed painting work within three weeks of her endoscopic carpal tunnel release. She had been struggling with numbness that made it difficult to hold brushes properly.
Who Benefits from Endoscopic Carpal tunnel Release?
Not everyone with carpal tunnel syndrome needs surgery. Dr. Butzen first tries conservative treatments like wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modifications. However, endoscopic carpal tunnel release becomes the best option when:
Conservative treatments haven't provided relief after several months
Symptoms interfere with daily activities or sleep
Nerve conduction studies show significant compression
You're experiencing muscle weakness in your hand
Symptoms are getting worse despite treatment
Dr. Butzen has successfully treated patients from all walks of life in the Four Corners region. Office workers, construction workers, teachers, artists, and retirees have all benefited from this advanced surgical technique.
Risks and Considerations
Like any surgical procedure, endoscopic carpal tunnel release carries some risks, though they are uncommon. Dr. Butzen discusses these thoroughly with each patient:
Infection (very rare with proper aftercare)
Nerve damage (extremely rare due to the visual guidance of the endoscope)
Incomplete release of symptoms
Scar tissue formation
Temporary stiffness
The endoscopic approach actually reduces many of the risks associated with traditional open surgery because it's less invasive and provides better visualization of the surgical area.
Why Choose Dr. Butzen for Your Carpal Tunnel Treatment?
Dr. Butzen's fellowship training in hand and upper extremity surgery provides specialized expertise that general orthopedic surgeons may not have. His experience performing hundreds of endoscopic carpal tunnel releases in the Durango area has refined his technique and improved patient outcomes.
Patients appreciate his thorough explanations and patient-centered approach. He takes time to answer questions and ensures each person understands their condition and treatment options. His commitment to the Four Corners community is evident in his decade-plus of service and his satellite clinic in Pagosa Springs.
The combination of advanced surgical techniques, specialized training, and genuine care for his patients makes Dr. Butzen the preferred choice for carpal tunnel syndrome treatment in southwestern Colorado and northwestern New Mexico.
Living Pain-Free After Surgery
The goal of endoscopic carpal tunnel release is to restore normal hand function and eliminate the pain, numbness, and weakness caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. Most patients achieve excellent results and return to all their normal activities.
Dr. Butzen often hears from patients months or years after their surgery, expressing gratitude for getting their lives back. Simple activities like buttoning shirts, opening jars, or sleeping through the night become possible again.
If you're experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome in Durango, Cortez, Farmington, or Pagosa Springs, don't wait for the condition to worsen. Early treatment often leads to better outcomes and may prevent the need for surgery altogether.
Contact Dr. Butzen's office at Animas Orthopedic Associates to schedule a consultation. With his expertise in endoscopic carpal tunnel release and commitment to patient care, you can take the first step toward pain-free hands and a better quality of life.