146 results about "CTS - Carpal tunnel syndrome" patented technology

This invention is an ergonomic method and apparatus for integrating the operation of computer keyboards and cursor control devices. It employs hand location detection to determine when the mouse hand is absent from its keyboard typing position or is present at the mouse. A detector output automatically transforms the functions of a set of keyboard keys lying under the non-mouse hand from their original actions into new actions which can include mouse clicks, keyboard shortcuts and macros. These keys usually include the home keys (a s d f, or j k l ;). The new functions are preprogrammed into this set of keys at an inactive level, and do not affect actions unless the hand position sensor detects that the mouse hand is absent from its keyboard typing position or is present at the mouse. This invention allows the non-mouse hand to actuate clicks at the keyboard by using the home keys as click switches, and also makes it possible for the non-mouse hand to type, with a single keystroke, keyboard shortcuts not normally available to it. When the mouse hand returns to the keyboard the keys automatically revert to their default functions. This method increases working speed, reduces the number of trips back and forth between keyboard and mouse, and relieves stress on the mouse hand. It is of special value to persons with carpal tunnel syndrome or Repetitive Strain Injuries. Detection of hand position or location is accomplished by sensors at the keyboard and / or at the pointing device, or by software detection of any data output from the mouse (movement or click) or from any keypress on the mouse side of the keyboard. This invention can be embodied solely as software, as firmware in an external device or keyboard, or as any combination of software and firmware. It essentially converts the non-mouse side of the keyboard into single-key macros: mouse buttons, tool selection keys, and special function keys. It can also be used to temporarily assign an alternate set of actions to mouse motion, mouse buttons and scrolling devices. Optionally this invention includes a floating on-screen palette which serves as an indicator of transformation and provides a map of the new functions. With simultaneous transformation of both a keyset and its corresponding palette, the palette always displays the new functions in the same geometric pattern as the actual layout of the new functions on the keyboard. This enables eye-to-hand pattern transfer for intuitive tool selection via the keyboard without using the mouse.

A system, method and / or apparatus is provided for visualization or imaging of the transverse carpal ligament and surrounding structures / features of a hand of a patient, and treatment of the transverse carpal ligament, particularly, but not necessarily, for performing non-invasive carpal tunnel release. The subject invention utilizes ultrasound waves preferably, but not necessarily, in the high frequency range and cavitations to image the transverse carpal ligament (TCL), record its location in three-dimensional space, and perform precision treatment on the transverse carpal ligament. Treatment may range from stretching or lengthening the TCL to complete tissue ablation or dissection of a portion or portions of the TCL (as is performed in a standard carpal tunnel release procedure) in order to release pressure within the carpal tunnel. Particularly, high temperature conditions are generated at target tissue of the TCL resulting in elongation or necrosis / dissection. The subject system, apparatus and / or method provides the surgeon to relieve a patient of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms in a bloodless, efficient, and accurate manner.

Methods, systems and devices for treatment of musculoskeletal tissue may include one or more of stretching, scoring, cutting, and cryogenic cooling of the tissue. Exemplary usage includes the treatment of compressive neuropathy such as in carpal tunnel syndrome and plantar fasciitis. Other musculoskeletal tissues such as those in the hip, shoulder, and other regions of the body may also be treated.

Disclosed is a wrist-wearable electronic interface movably mounted on an arm-attachment mechanism. Interface moves from under-sleeve wrist-adjacent position to palm-adjacent position where it can be manipulated by the hand of the arm wearing the device. Alternately adaptable to telephones, audio recorders, remote controls, auto ID equipment, telephone call-blocking, and more. Alternative embodiment provides a wrist-mounted docking station. Another alternative embodiment includes a superior carpal tunnel syndrome therapy device. The system also includes novel battery chargers: (1) window-mounted, solar-powered; (2) mounted in an automobile that also includes an improved odometer, license plate, and cabin air filtration system.

This invention provides for using a locally delivered low dose of a corticosteroid to treat pain caused by any inflammatory disease including sciatica, herniated disc, stenosis, mylopathy, low back pain, facet pain, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteolysis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or tarsal tunnel syndrome. More specifically, a locally delivered low dose of a corticosteroid can be released into the epidural space, perineural space, or the foramenal space at or near the site of a patient's pain by a drug pump or a biodegradable drug depot.

This invention relates to an electrotherapeutic device useful for treating a variety of aspects associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The device is a TENS-like unit that is miniaturized, comfortable and unobtrusive, thereby allowing for unencumbered performance of daily activities. The device houses an electronic circuit comprising optimally placed electrodes and a microprocessor preprogrammed to deliver an optimal stimulus pulse protocol whereby the stimulus pulse parameters are varied so as to deliver a series of stimulus pulses for treating all aspects of CTS, including but not limited to pain blockage, nerve regeneration, reduction in inflammation and biochemical release.

A device that can be used to treat appendage ailments is provided. The device, or appendage sleeve, can be used for wounds, cuts, and blisters, as well as joint related ailments, such as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. In some instances, the appendage sleeve can at least partially made from an elastomeric material, such as an elastomeric nonwoven, so that the sleeve can more aptly fit onto a finger or toe. Furthermore, the sleeve can also possess a barrier that is liquid impermeable, but vapor permeable so that the finger or toe of a user is more comfortable. Various additives can be applied to the sleeve to aid for therapeutic purposes.

An apparatus and method for identifying the flexor retinaculum of the carpal tunnel, injecting an effective amount of an agent into at least a portion of flexor retinaculum or tissue adjacent thereto, wherein the agent is configured to weaken the flexor retinaculum. The system may further include means for increasing the tensile stress in the flexor retinaculum post-injection using hand exercises, thereby weakening its structural integrity and decreasing the pressure within the carpal tunnel that impairs median nerve function.

A device for treating a patient having carpal tunnel disease includes a neural stent formed from an elastically deformable material or one that has shape memory properties. The neural stent is in the form of a mesh which, when implanted in a patient, curls about the median nerve below the transverse carpal ligament to separate the two and relieve pressure on the nerve caused by the carpal ligament.

A portable apparatus which allows a user to perform self-diagnostic evaluation of nerve sensory latency between a pair of epidermal locations proximal to nerve conduction paths. The device provides a simple and low-cost self-diagnostic apparatus which may be used for the detection and ongoing monitoring of sensory latency, such as sensory latency which is the result of carpal tunnel syndrome. The apparatus is powered by a single battery which provides power to all circuitry of the apparatus. Upon power activation, the device generates a series of high voltage stimulus pulses at an electrode in epidermal contact with the user / operator. The nerve response voltage is detected by a second electrode located along nerve pathway and the time delay between stimulus and response is displayed and periodically updated as each new response is detected.

The device is a thin, self-adhesive non-stretch splint, having the capability to flex. This device is intended for the treatment of repetitive stress injuries such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with elements that provide user adjustable limitation of movement within acceptable medical parameters. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome symptoms include pain and numbness in the thumb, index, and middle fingers, that are aggravated by compression of the median nerve. This device limits flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation movements of the wrist without compressing the median nerve The device limits movement by reducing skin elasticity on the surface skin above or below the wrist and up the forearm. The application provides biomechanical feedback to the wearer in the form of the tugging sensation on the skin around the perimeter of the device assisting the user in maintaining a more neutral wrist position without imposing wrist immobilization. The design elements allow the use of the device in such a manner that produces no additional pressure to the median nerve while in use. Furthermore the method of application provides a means for the user to regulate the amount of wrist movement to provide a greater comfort level while still limiting movement within medically proven parameters. The adhesive nature of the device eliminates the need for external straps that normally wrap completely around the forearm and hand to hold a splint in place. The application of the device limits movement by greatly reducing the ability of the skin to stretch by placing a self-adhesive non-stretch splint directly on the skin. The device, and how it is placed utilizes the wearers skin elasticity to provide biomechanical feedback to the user to promote better wrist posture.

The present invention provides a topical composition for use in treating medical conditions such as fungal epithelial infections, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and arthritis. The topical composition includes a mineral component including a source of calcium and a source of potassium, a vitamin component including a source of ascorbic acid, and an anti-inflammatory component including a source of lysine and a source of glutathione. The topical composition also includes an anti-oxidant component including a source of curcumin and an isoflavone component including a source of ipriflavone. The present invention also provides a method of forming the topical composition. The method includes combining the mineral component, the vitamin component, the anti-inflammatory component, the anti-oxidant component, and the isoflavone component.

A computer pointing-input device has a low risk of inducing Repetitive Stress Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in a user by providing thumb and hand actuated controls. A main body (16) of the device is held laterally in a hand of the user with the thumb of the hand resting on a thumb switch (21). The palm of the hand rests on the main body (16) and an outer edge of the palm of the hand rests on a hand switch (31). The thumb switch (21) is operable by a downward pressure from the user's thumb, and the hand switch (31) is operable by downward pressure from the outer side of the user's palm.

A method including topically administering an effective amount of local anesthetic to a patient is disclosed. The method is effective for inducing analgesia for treating non-neuropathic pain. Non-neuropathic pain suitable for treatment according to the invention includes pain associated with sports injuries; sprains; strains; soft-tissue injury; repetitive motion injury; carpal tunnel syndrome; injury to tendons, ligament, and muscles; conditions such as fibromyalgia, bursitis, castrochondritis, myofascial pain, and pain associated with arthritis, inflammation, contusions, post-surgical pain, and nociceptive pain. Preferably, the lidocaine is applied via a transdermal patch applied near the locus of pain.

A portable wrist resting pad for relieving and alleviating the strain and fatigue to the wrist and arm from repetitive and continual use of a computer mouse and keyboard includes a first support member for disposition on the desk surface, a second support member mounted to the first support member and having a density less than the first support member, and a wrist strap that extends outwardly from opposite ends of the support members for encompassing the wrist and attaching the support pad to the wrist. The wrist support pad elevates the wrist the appropriate distance from the work surface to relieve strain and fatigue to the wrist and arm for preventing carpal tunnel syndrome; and preferably one wrist support pad should be secured to each wrist to obtain maximum benefit from the portable wrist rest pads.

A system, method and / or apparatus is provided for visualization or imaging of the transverse carpal ligament and surrounding structures / features of a hand of a patient, and treatment of the transverse carpal ligament, particularly, but not necessarily, for performing non-invasive carpal tunnel release. The subject invention utilizes ultrasound waves preferably, but not necessarily, in the high frequency range and cavitations to image the transverse carpal ligament (TCL), record its location in three-dimensional space, and perform precision treatment on the transverse carpal ligament. Treatment may range from stretching or lengthening the TCL to complete tissue ablation or dissection of a portion or portions of the TCL (as is performed in a standard carpal tunnel release procedure) in order to release pressure within the carpal tunnel. Particularly, high temperature conditions are generated at target tissue of the TCL resulting in elongation or necrosis / dissection. The subject system, apparatus and / or method provides the surgeon to relieve a patient of carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms in a bloodless, efficient, and accurate manner.

The apparatus of the present invention stretches the carpal ligament and the flexor retinaculum, as well as the superficial structures and muscles of the hand, in a safe manner under precise control of the patient or a healthcare professional. The preferred embodiment of the inventive apparatus includes a first housing with an open side portion adapted and configured to contact and retain the hypothenar region of the patient's hand, with a first edge of the first housing extending along a central longitudinal dorsal portion of the hand, and a second housing with an open side portion adapted and configured to contact and retain the thenar region of the patient's hand, with a second edge of the second housing also extending along a central longitudinal dorsal portion of the hand. A flexible resilient strap is secured to the first housing, and then wrapped around the second housing encompassing the thenar portion of the hand (i.e. around the thumb area), in such a manner as to pull the second housing (and thus the thenar portion of the hand) upward with the first and the second edges of the respective first and second housings serving as a fulcrum around which the hypothenar and thenar portions of the hand are bent. The strap is then secured to itself or to the first and / or the second housing to keep the hypothenar and thenar portions pulled apart during the course of treatment.

An apparatus and methods for diagnosing and treating nerve compression conditions in a patient, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome and other nerve compression conditions. Ultrasound transducer heads having an array of high frequency piezoelectric crystal elements mounted in the transducer head capable of delivering frequencies of 7.5 MHz or greater, and a low frequency piezocomposite element mounted in the transducer head capable of delivering frequencies of 0.25 MHz to 1.5 MHz at an intensity of about 0.25 W / cm2 to 2.0 W / cm2 can be used to diagnose and also treat the conditions. If necessary, the high frequency piezoelectric elements can be used to visualize the region of therapy to more accurately direct the low frequency ultrasound energy.

An apparatus or method to accommodate disability and to improve the efficiency of the movement of the fingers, in order; A) to reduce 1) onset of symptoms of median nerve entrapment or carpal tunnel or repetitive stress syndromes, 2) tactile deficit in fingers, 3) inflammation in the carpal canal, 4) tendon excursion in the carpal canal, 5) finger flexion, 6) loss of nerve sensation, and 7) loss of tactile sensation; and B) to increase 1) therapy of medical and physical recovery and treatment, 2) tactile sensitivity of the fingers, 3) movement of the doral interossei muscles of the hand, 4) movement of the volar interossei palmar muscles of the hand, 5) movement of the lumbrical muscles of fingers, and 6) identification of cancer mass in subcutaneous tissue by palpation by self examination.

Disclosed is a wrist-wearable electronic interface movably mounted on an arm-attachment mechanism. Interface moves from under-sleeve wrist-adjacent position to palm-adjacent position where it can be manipulated by the hand of the arm wearing the device. Alternately adaptable to telephones, audio recorders, remote controls, auto ID equipment, telephone call-blocking, and more. Alternative embodiment provides a wrist-mounted docking station. Another alternative embodiment includes a superior carpal tunnel syndrome therapy device. The system also includes novel battery chargers: (1) window-mounted, solar-powered; (2) mounted in an automobile that also includes an improved odometer, license plate, and cabin air filtration system.

A hand pad apparatus (10) for protecting the median nerve, dampening vibration, and absorbing shock including a protecting mechanism (12) for preventing the application of pressure to the median nerve. The protecting mechanism (12) includes parallel cushion portions (24) defining a recess (14) therebetween and a recess maintaining mechanism (22) for maintaining the recess between the cushion portion from reducing the size of the recess. A method of combining median nerve protection, vibration dampening, and shock absorbing to inhibit or prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and a method of determining the proper width of a recess defined by parallel portions of a cushioned pads by determining the type of the cushioned pad material.

A surgical treatment can involve creating a pattern of perforations in a tissue structure to allow lengthening of that tissue structure. For example, a pattern of perforations can be created in the transverse carpal ligament of a patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) that allows the carpal ligament to lengthen slightly. This lengthening can relieve pressure on the median nerve, thereby reducing the symptoms of CTS while maintaining the structural integrity of the wrist. A surgical instrument for use in perforating a tissue structure (such as the transverse ligament) can be an elongate structure with one or more retractable blades. Such a tool can be used in either an open or minimally invasive procedure to create a desired pattern of perforations in the tissue structure.

Apparatus, systems, and methods for diagnosing carpal tunnel syndrome (“CTS”) are provided. Pressure on the median nerve at the wrist can lead to decreased tactile sensitivity in the fingertips. People with CTS may often experience numbness, tingling, and decreased sensitivity in their finger tips. Compared to a control group, subjects symptomatic of CTS had a greater mean shift (decrease) in tactile sensitivity than the control group when exposed to certain provocations. These provocations include wrist flexion, direct pressure on the transverse carpal ligament area of the wrist, and tendon loading. Additionally, the effects of slight venous occlusion in the forearm were studied. There is an increase in threshold during the recovery period after each provocation. Diagnosis of CTS is provided through monitoring and analysis, preferably with a computer in real-time, of subject's responses to these provocations.

A new computer mouse is disclosed to prevent strain injuries to the hand and wrist and prevent or alleviate the symptoms associated with Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) for those who are repetitive users of computer mouse devices. The mouse is designed to leave the carpal tunnel of a user of the mouse substantially open, thus precluding tunnel narrowing and the symptoms resulting therefrom. The mouse is also designed to maximize comfort of the user, alleviate wrist bend associated with use of the mouse, and is adaptable to different size hands.

A micro-scalpel used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome has an elongated columnar blade, one end of the blade obliquely cut to form a tip, the obliquely-cut surface of the tip sufficiently sharp to pierce and cut skin of a patient. The other end of the blade is connected to a hollow sleeve connector, and the hollow sleeve connector is combined with a handle. The micro-scalpel is oriented perpendicular to a transverse carpal ligament, and swings from its proximal end toward its distal end to cut the transverse carpal ligament, thereby reducing the number of cuts of the blade and saving time for completing the carpal tunnel surgery.

A method of treating and / or preventing carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is provided, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a botulinum toxin to a patient in need thereof or a patient at risk for development of CTS. More specifically, the method includes one or more injections of a botulinum toxin over a period of time into one or more muscles of the hand and / or wrist, or directly into the carpal tunnel along the median nerve. Pharmaceutical compositions are provided as are combination therapies with other agents such as anti-inflammatory drugs, growth factors, and agents useful in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The use of the methods of the present invention are also contemplated with other treatment regimens used to treat patients having carpal tunnel syndrome.

A cutting apparatus for treating carpal tunnel syndrome is provided with a hollow handle including a forward bent portion, a switch mounted on an outer surface, and a video screen pivotably secured to the outer surface; a transparent blade mount mounted with the bent portion and including an upper guide and a lower guide; a metal blade between the upper and lower guides; and an image capture assembly including a light source in the handle proximate the bent portion, a digital camera proximate the blade, and a microprocessor in the handle. The microprocessor is electrically connected to the video screen, the light source, and the digital camera respectively. The digital camera takes video of a target and records same as images. The microprocessor processes the images sent from the digital camera into image signals. The video screen receives the image signals and displays same as images.

The invention discloses a simple fitness chair, which comprises chair legs, a chair seat and a backrest. A backrest with back massage rollers is installed on the upper part of the chair seat. Rotating arms are installed on the poles on both sides of the backrest. The free ends of the rotating arms A grip bar with a massage ball is installed on the top; a thigh exerciser is installed on the front end of the chair seat, a fixing piece is arranged between the thigh exerciser and the seat, and a compression spring is arranged inside the thigh exerciser, and the two ends of the compression spring are installed There is a silicone massage pad; chair legs are installed on the lower part of the chair seat, and a rotating rod is installed on the inner side of the chair leg through the mounting seat, and a foot support rod is vertically installed on the free end of the rotating rod; between the rotating arm and the support rod, the rotation A torsion spring is arranged outside the rotating shaft between the rod and the mounting seat; this utility model can be widely used in ordinary families or enterprises, and can realize the purpose of exercising the whole body at any time, effectively preventing sciatic nerve diseases or lumbar diseases or mouse hands, and is convenient to use and has great advantages. marketing prospects.

A method and apparatus for treating carpal tunnel syndrome with the use of an orthotic. The orthotic is applied to the patient's hand. The use of the orthotic by the patient is monitored automatically and data is produced as to the amount and time of usage. This data is then compared with a protocol to determine if the patient usage is in compliance with the protocol.