Sonographically guided carpal tunnel injections: the ulnar approach.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this report is to describe a new sonographically guided technique for carpal tunnel injections using an ulnar approach.

METHODS: Previously published sonographically guided techniques for carpal tunnel injections were reviewed. Described approaches were noted to be technically challenging because of the need to perform long-axis imaging of the carpal tunnel, short-axis (out-of-plane) imaging of the needle, or both.

RESULTS: We developed and herein describe the ulnar approach for sonographically guided carpal tunnel injections. Advantages of this approach include transverse imaging of the carpal tunnel, long-axis (in-plane) imaging of the needle, and versatility in targeting structures within the carpal tunnel.

CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider the ulnar-sided approach when performing sonographically guided carpal tunnel injections.