Description

Orthopaedic Associates will host an Educational Open House and FREE Screening Event with Dr. James Watt, on Tuesday, November 17^th, starting at 6:00pm
at The Holiday Inn Resort Fort Walton Beach,
located at 1299 Miracle Strip Pkwy SE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548.

Guests can register at www.CureMyCaralTunnel.com/Watt or call 1-888-681-0221.

Attendees will learn about carpal tunnel syndrome, understand the causes, symptoms, and latest treatment options, plus get a quick and painless free ultrasound screening check of your wrist.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of the most common nerve disorders in the United States, affecting millions of Americans. The condition develops when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist, often causing pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and reduced hand function. Left untreated, the condition can progressively worsen and may lead to permanent nerve damage and loss of dexterity.

As demand grows for minimally invasive procedures with reduced recovery time, ultrasound-guided surgery is changing the way orthopaedic surgeons treat carpal tunnel syndrome.
Unlike traditional open surgery, ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release is performed while patients remain awake using only a local anesthetic. Through a small incision in the wrist, the surgeon uses real-time ultrasound imaging to continuously visualize the nerves, tendons and surrounding anatomy throughout the procedure, which minimizes disruption to surrounding tissue.

Procedures are performed in Orthopaedic Associates' newly opened outpatient procedure suites in Fort Walton Beach. Patients can begin moving their hand immediately after the procedure and, depending on the physical demands of their job and their individual recovery, return to normal activities within a few days.
"Many people continue living with carpal tunnel symptoms because they assume surgery means going to the hospital, receiving anesthesia and facing weeks away from work," said Dr. Watt. "This procedure changes that perception. Patients remain awake, the incision is very small, there are no stitches, and many people are surprised by how quickly they can begin using their hand again."

Dr. Watt has performed UGCTR procedures for more than three years and became an early adopter of ultrasound-guided release after completing advanced training through SONEX Health, the developer of the technology. He has also contributed to three major clinical studies evaluating the procedure, participating in research, data collection and authorship of published medical literature.

"The ability to see the patient's anatomy in real time throughout the entire procedure is a significant advancement," Dr. Watt said. "Ultrasound gives us continuous visualization of the structures we're working around, allowing us to perform the release through a much smaller approach while maintaining precision."
Because carpal tunnel syndrome is progressive, Dr. Watt encourages patients not to ignore persistent symptoms.

"As the nerve remains compressed over time, patients can begin losing strength and fine motor control," he said. "Simple tasks like buttoning a shirt, holding a coffee cup or picking up small objects can become increasingly difficult. The earlier we evaluate the condition, the more treatment options patients typically have."

For many working adults, the shorter recovery period can be especially meaningful.
"I've treated construction workers, landscapers, dental hygienists and even other surgeons whose jobs depend on using their hands every day," Dr. Watt said. "Most all returned to work within the week. One avid golfer had his procedure on a Monday and was back on the golf course that weekend. Watching patients regain function so quickly is incredibly rewarding."

Orthopaedic Associates’ office in Fort Walton Beach is the only practice in Okaloosa and Walton County currently offering ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release, giving residents access to advanced hand surgery technology close to home rather than traveling outside the region for specialized care.
"Advances in image-guided surgery are making it possible to offer less invasive treatments without sacrificing precision," Dr. Watt said. "We're proud to bring this technology to our community so patients have access to leading-edge orthopaedic care right here in Northwest Florida."

Dr. Watt earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Des Moines University in Des Moines, Iowa. He completed his orthopaedic surgery internship and residency through Ohio University and OhioHealth in Columbus, Ohio, followed by a fellowship in hand and upper extremity surgery at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute in Tampa.