<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A Victorian doctor is pioneering a micro-invasive procedure using guided ultrasound to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, potentially offering an alternative to traditional surgery. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The nerve entrapment condition affects an estimated 3 to 6 per cent of the adult population, causing pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand, fingers, and wrist.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The micro-invasive procedure by specialist anaesthetist Dr Peter Hebbard involves the insertion of a needle, guided by an external ultrasound, into the wrist using local anaesthetic.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/rosanna-why-a-melbourne-creek-is-flowing-bright-blue/7004d1b2-30f4-427a-a9a3-99da9245e20a"><strong><span>Why a Melbourne creek is flowing bright blue</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A small blade deployed from the needle cuts the carpal tunnel ligament, relieving pressure on the median nerve.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"Doing lots of repetitive activities makes you more susceptible...I see a lot of cooks, I see hairdressers," Hebbard said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"It's the convenience… we can do it in the clinic, it's safer, and it's got a quicker recovery."</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/new-carpal-tunnel-surgery/bf8b7551-f2a4-4f3c-a552-919693cc17f0" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE: </span></strong><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/finance/unemployment-rate-june-2025-abs-data-interest-rates/26716d34-ab4d-4bfb-accf-d21bb375235b"><strong><span>Surprise data adds to case for interest rate cut next month</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The procedure, which is partly covered by Medicare, is currently available in Victoria and Queensland, with plans to expand to other states. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>And while it is considered minimally invasive, as with any procedure, there are risks involved.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><em><span>This article was produced with the assistance of </span></em><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/technology/9express/16480c33-636a-461f-9c4f-d0e2522c722a"><em><span>9ExPress</span></em></a><em><span>.</span></em></div></div>