The Brown Procedure

The Brown Procedure is our treatment of choice, safely and easily performed on an outpatient basis. A small 9mm incision (less than ½”) is made very near the wrist and a tiny 4mm (less than ¼”) incision is made in the palm. The instrumentation is inserted, isolating the transverse carpal ligament from the contents of the carpal tunnel. The ligament is then divided with endoscopic visualization as the surgeon watches the video monitor and the surgeon’s assistant holds the patient’s hand hyperextended and moves the endoscope.

A long-acting anesthetic is placed in the tiny incisions. This typically eliminates post-operative discomfort, numbing the hand for 4-48 hours after which time pain medication is rarely needed. The wounds are closed with Steri-Strip* adhesive skin closures, not stitches.

During the next seven days, the patient is able to use the hand. After seven days, the dressing and Steri-Strip* closures are removed and patient may use his or her hand without restriction.

After almost 20 years of safety, different from other endoscopic techniques, the Brown Procedure is the basis of the recent studies showing long-term patient safety and effectiveness. Compare the Brown Procedure to open carpal tunnel release – you will see immediate differences and our procedure’s benefits.

*”Steri-Strip” is a trademark of 3M.

The Brown Procedure should not be confused with other endoscopic techniques which do not have the same safety and effectiveness, as has been shown in “A 12-Year Experience Using the Brown Two-Portal Endoscopic Procedure of Transverse Carpal Tunnel Ligament Release in 14,722 Patients: Defining a New Paradigm in the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Release.” Other endoscopic techniques have been associated with significant complications.

Compare - and see the benefits
                      of the Brown Procedure

FROM THE INSIDE ™ This is a clear endoscopic view of the transverse carpal ligament, isolated, about to be released without injury to the overlying structures.  Typically, there are no restrictions after seven days.

After healing, the two tiny incisions are hardly visible.  There are no stitches.

Example of common open carpal tunnel release.

This is the extent of surgical dissection of the hand required in an open carpal tunnel release.  Healing and recovery may require months.

The extensive post-operative wound persists as a scar in the palm, often permanently tender.