Right after surgery, the surgeon and nurses will encourage elevation of the hand above the level of the heart and movement of the fingers to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness. Viewing images of the inside of the wrist and hand on the monitor, the surgeon uses a small, specialized knife to divide the transverse carpal ligament, similar to the open procedure.
In endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery, the surgeon makes one or two smaller skin incisions, known as portals, and inserts a thin instrument equipped with a miniature camera – called an endoscope – which projects images onto a monitor. The ligament may gradually grow back together post-surgery, but there will be more space in the carpal tunnel. The surgeon then divides the transverse carpal ligament (roof of the carpal tunnel), to increase the size of the tunnel and reduce pressure on the median nerve. Open Carpal Tunnel Releaseĭuring open carpal tunnel release surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the palm and views the inside of the hand and wrist through this incision. The surgery will take less than one hour.
The nerve blocks are given with a light sedative to promote relaxation and sleep during the surgery. Nerve blocks to numb the forearm/hand or general anesthesia will be used during surgery. Most carpal tunnel release surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis.
Best of all, you will appreciate convenient appointment times, locations near you and a personalized focus to meet your needs before, during and after your procedure.
We offer a full spectrum of orthopedic care and the latest approaches to carpal tunnel treatment. But if symptoms are severe or keep coming back, your physician may recommend a surgical procedure called carpal tunnel release.īaptist Health is nationally recognized for excellence in treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
Mild-to-moderate carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated non-surgically. Repetitive hand movements, wrist trauma or inflammation from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes can result in swelling causing compression of the median nerve that results in tingling, numbness, pain and weakness in the hand, thumb, and first three fingers that is known as carpal tunnel syndrome. The median nerve controls movement and sensation in the thumb and first 3 fingers. The median nerve and several tendons run from the forearm to the hand through a small space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel.