Dr. James Watt Offering Free Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Screening Dec. 3 as Part of US Clinical Study
Orthopaedic Associates — the region’s most preferred orthopaedic practice — will host a free carpal tunnel syndrome screening open house on Dec. 3, starting at 6 p.m. The screening and open house will be held at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach at 1500 Miracle Strip Parkway SE. Patients in need of specialized hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder and sports injury care can call 850-863-2153 to schedule an appointment with Dr. James Watt at the practice’s locations in Fort Walton Beach, Destin, Niceville and Crestview.
Orthopaedic Associates is the first in the region to offer carpal tunnel release using ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release. In 2021, fellowship-trained hand and upper extremity specialist Dr. Watt was the first surgeon in the Panhandle region to complete an UltraGuideCTR procedure. UltraGuideCTR is designed to provide a rapid recovery for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The free carpal tunnel syndrome screening is for anyone interested in participating in the clinical study designed to further research in the health and care of patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. The screening will determine if patients qualify for the study. Study subjects for the post-market registry of the patient experience when using UltraGuideCTR for carpal tunnel release (known as MISSION) registry will be paid up to $600 for sharing their experiences at seven follow-up periods after the procedure.
“I am honored to be an investigator in the MISSION study and provide UltraGuideCTR and real-time ultrasound guidance to help my patients experience relief from debilitating carpal tunnel syndrome,” said Dr. Watt. “I have seen this technique become a game changer in how carpal tunnel syndrome is treated and will be moving forward.”
Traditional treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome involves an incision at the base of the palm to access and divide the transverse carpal ligament, relieving pressure on the median nerve. However, a carpal tunnel release using real-time ultrasound guidance, like with the UltraGuide CTR technology, allows the surgeon to make a smaller incision at the wrist instead of the palm, enabling precise visualization of the anatomy throughout the procedure. This less invasive technique helps most patients resume normal activities within days, unlike the weeks or months of recovery often required with traditional surgery.
Dr. Watt received his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Des Moines University in Iowa. He then completed an orthopaedic surgery internship and residency at Ohio University in Columbus. After his residency, Dr. Watt received additional subspecialty training through a hand and upper extremity fellowship at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute in Tampa. He joined Orthopaedic Associates in September 2012. Highly skilled in advanced treatments for the upper extremity, Dr. Watt specializes in both surgical and nonsurgical advanced treatment techniques in hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder care as well as for sports injuries.
To learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome and available treatments at Orthopaedic Associates, call 850-863-2153.