Joon Ahn, M.D.

Dr. Joon Ahn is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgeons and CAQ. He joined the Orthopaedic Center of Southern Illinois in 2001 following the completion of a Fellowship in surgery of the Hand and Upper Extremity at New York University Medical Center - Hospital for Joint Diseases, New York City, New York. He graduated cum laude from New York University prior to attending medical school at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, where he became a member of AOA and the National Honor Medical Society. He completed his Orthopaedic Residency at New York University Medical Center.

Dr. Ahn is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Arthroscopy Association of North America and the American Society for Surgery of the Hand. He is also an Associate Instructor at the Learning Center of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons in Rosemont, Illinois. Dr. Ahn has participated in numerous Orthopaedic research projects and publications. His practice includes a full range of Orthopaedics, in addition to specialized treatment for the hand, wrist, shoulder and elbow.

Carpal Tunnel Release

In an effort to preserve the normal hand structure, decrease postoperative pain, scarring, loss of pinch and grip strength and to ensure a rapid recovery, Dr. Ahn performs an endoscopic technique as an alternative to open hand surgery; Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release.

During single-portal Endoscopic Surgery, a small incision is made in the crease of the wrist, where the surgeon inserts a small camera mounted to a surgical instrument called a SmartRelease™ ECTR. This device allows the surgeon to see inside the carpal tunnel using a video monitor. The surgeon then precisely cuts the ligament using a retractable blade within the SmartRelease™ ECTR, without opening the entire palm. Once the ligament is fully released, the blade is retracted, the instrument is withdrawn and the small incision is sutured and dressed.

The guiding principle of this minimally invasive procedure is to minimize post-operative pain by avoiding an open incision extending from the wrist across to the palm. Endoscopic Surgery is highly effective and has been used for more than 20 years. There is rarely any bleeding because the two incisions are so small, and only one suture is used to close the wounds. The surgery is performed on an out-patient basis usually using a local anesthesia which further reduces recovery time and expense.

Dr. Ahn has interest in all surgeries of the upper extremity including; shoulder arthroscopy, subacromial decompression, rotator cuff repair, rotator cuff impingement, basal joint arthroplasty, carpal tunnel release, ganglion cysts, trigger finger, Dupuytren's contracture, cubital tunnel decompression, and SLAP lesion and repair.