Wide-Awake Carpal Tunnel Release

Dividing the ligament that roofs the carpal tunnel to relieve pressure on the median nerve, through a small incision or endoscopically.

Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel release performed in the office under local anesthesia only: no sedation, no fasting, no tourniquet, and you drive yourself home.

Wide-Awake Carpal Tunnel Release

Opening the tight tendon sheath at the base of a finger or thumb so the tendon glides without catching or locking.

Trigger Finger Release

Relieving pressure on the ulnar nerve where it passes behind the elbow, sometimes moving the nerve to the front, to stop numbness in the ring and small fingers.

Cubital Tunnel Release

Realigning a broken wrist and holding it with a plate and screws so it heals in position and motion can start early.

Wrist Fracture Repair

Fixing a broken scaphoid bone with a compression screw, and reconstructing scaphoid fractures that have failed to heal, including vascularized bone grafting.

Scaphoid Fracture Repair

Reattaching a biceps tendon that has torn from the forearm bone at the elbow, to restore the strength to turn and lift.

Distal Biceps Tendon Repair

Releasing or removing the thickened cords in the palm that pull fingers into a bent position, by needle release, enzyme injection or open surgery.

Dupuytren Contracture Release

Removing a fluid-filled cyst from the wrist or hand along with the stalk that connects it to the joint, to relieve pain and lower recurrence.

Ganglion Cyst Removal

Reconstructing the arthritic joint at the base of the thumb by removing the worn bone and stabilizing the thumb with a tendon or implant, to restore pain-free pinch.

Thumb CMC Arthroplasty

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

Nondiscrimination Accessibility Good Faith Estimate

Find a clinic

What it is

Wide-Awake Carpal Tunnel Release

Wide-awake, local anesthesia, no tourniquet surgery numbs only the hand with a lidocaine and epinephrine injection.

The epinephrine controls bleeding so no tourniquet is needed, which is what makes staying awake comfortable.The release itself is identical to a traditional carpal tunnel release. What changes is everything around it: no operating room, no anesthesiologist, no IV, no fasting.

At a glance

SettingIn the office

AnesthesiaLocal only, awake

Visit timeAbout 1 hour

Drive homeYes, yourself

Performed by

Travis Peterson, DO, Hand and Upper Extremity surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. PetersonHand and Upper Extremity

or call801-640-0000

Wide-Awake Carpal Tunnel Release

Who It Helps

Most patients who need carpal tunnel release qualify.It is especially suited to patients who want to avoid anesthesia, who manage other medical conditions, who cannot easily arrange a ride, or who want the lowest-cost path.Patients who would be very anxious awake, or who need a more complex procedure at the same time, are better served in the surgery center.

Wide-Awake Carpal Tunnel Release

What to Expect

An office visit of about an hour.The numbing injection is the only discomfort. Dr. Peterson talks with you through the ten-minute procedure, and you can watch or not as you prefer.A light dressing goes on and you drive yourself home.The office procedure happens in our clinic, not a surgery center, which is why it is the lowest-cost carpal tunnel option in Utah Valley. Dr. Peterson operates at Utah Valley Hospital and Orem Community Hospital.

Wide-Awake Carpal Tunnel Release

Recovery Timeline

Identical to standard release: fingers move immediately, light use within days, and full strength over six to twelve weeks.Many patients return to desk work the next day.

Milestones

Day 0Drive yourself home

Day 1Desk work for many

Week 2Stitches out

Week 6 to 12Full strength

Wide-Awake Carpal Tunnel Release

Risks and Considerations

The same low surgical risks as traditional release.The added consideration is comfort while awake, which most patients report is far less of an issue than they expected.Because no sedation is involved, you may eat beforehand and take your usual medications.

Wide-Awake Carpal Tunnel Release

Your Surgeons

Dr. Peterson performs this procedure at Utah Valley Hospital, Orem Community Hospital and American Fork Hospital.

Dr. Peterson, DO

Hand surgery fellowship at UMass Chan. Office-based, wide-awake carpal tunnel release. Fifteen years in practice. Speaks German.

Wide-Awake Carpal Tunnel Release

Related Procedures and Conditions

Carpal Tunnel Release

Trigger Finger Release

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330