Local News
SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic plastic surgeon completes milestone 1,000th patient treated for carpal tunnel release
Richard Schaefer, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon with the SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic, marked another milestone in his career as he recently completed his 1,000th patient treated for carpal tunnel release (CTR) with UltraGuideCTR™ and real-time ultrasound guidance.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects an estimated 13 million people in the United States, and causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm. Left untreated, it can cause long-term debilitation.
Carpal tunnel release with ultrasound guidance (CTR-US) relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome while minimizing recovery time.
CTR-US relieves pressure on the median nerve by transecting or dividing the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel to create more space for the nerve and tendons.
“The thing I’m most pleased with is the patient satisfaction after the procedure and how quickly patients are able to get back to their normal activities,” says Dr. Schaefer.
Most patients who undergo CTR using ultrasound guidance are able to return to normal activities in three to six days. The procedure is performed using only local anesthesia in a procedure room or office setting, and a small incision which is typically closed without sutures.
Other patient benefits include:
- Aspirin or ibuprofen typically used for pain management
- Postoperative hand therapy typically not required
- Immediate motion of the hand for rapid recovery
- Excellent outcomes and patient experience
In Dr. Schaefer’s experience, the fast recovery associated with CTR using ultrasound guidance has been impactful.
“The vast majority of patients that come in for the procedure are here because they don’t want to be restricted, out of work, or missing their normal activities for a prolonged period of time,” he says. “At the four-day post-op visit the incision is typically healed. We then clear patients to resume activity without restrictions. The overwhelming majority of patients have managed their post-op pain with over-the-counter medication.”
Steven Sobeck, MD, D.ABA, an anesthesiologist, is one patient who has benefited from CTR-US. Dr. Sobeck first encountered Dr. Schaefer for a traditional endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery on his right hand. “It took me a good five to seven days before I could use my hand again,” according to Dr. Sobeck. “Even then, I still had significant discomfort for at least two weeks. It took almost one month before I was back to normal.”
A few months later, Dr. Sobeck returned for the new ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel surgery on his left hand. “I was able to use my hand the same day,” he says. “I basically skipped an entire week of recovery. I was essentially back to normal within two weeks. The ultrasound surgery was completely pain-free.”
As a plastic surgeon, Dr. Schaefer offers a comprehensive array of reconstructive and cosmetic procedures. He is trained in the surgical and non-surgical rejuvenation of the face, eyes, nose, lips and forehead. He also specializes in breast surgery, hand surgery, skin cancer removal and reconstruction, total body lift after massive weight loss and pediatric plastic surgery.
Dr. Schaefer is dedicated to providing every patient with the highest quality, personalized care using state-of-the-art equipment.
A graduate of Rush Medical College in Chicago, Dr. Schaefer completed his plastic surgery residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin.
CTR is covered by Medicare and most private insurance companies. Physicians and patients should always confirm coverage with the applicable provider prior to treatment.
To learn more about this procedure, call SSM Health Plastic Surgery & Cosmetic Services, 421 Camelot Drive, Fond du Lac at 920-926-8614. Dr. Schaefer offers this procedure in Fond du Lac, Ripon and Waupun.
For more information about SSM Health, visit www.ssmhealth.com. For more information about UltraGuideCTR, visit www.sonexhealth.com.