Carpal Tunnel Release
by
Editorial Staff And Contributors Click here to view an animated version of this procedure. Definition TOPCarpel tunnel release is a surgery where the ligament covering the carpel tunnel is cut open.
Reasons for Procedure TOPThe median nerve runs from the forearm into the hand. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when this nerve is squeezed at the wrist as it runs through the carpel tunnel. This results in pain, weakness, tingling, or numbness in your hand and wrist. Pain may also radiate up your arm. Carpal tunnel release is a surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The pressure is reduced by opening the ligament of the carpal tunnel. The ligament is called the transverse carpal ligament. Surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is usually recommended in the following instances:
Possible Complications TOPComplications are rare, but no procedure is completely free of risk. If you are planning to have carpal tunnel release, your doctor will review a list of possible complications, which may include:
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
What to Expect TOPPrior to ProcedureYour doctor may do the following:
Leading up to your procedure:
AnesthesiaGeneral anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation is used. If you have general anesthesia, you will be asleep during the procedure. With local anesthesia, the area being operated on will be numbed, and you may be given a sedation medication to help you relax. Description of the Procedure TOPA classic open incision or an endoscopic technique may be used: Open Carpal Tunnel ReleaseA short incision will be made in the lower palm and wrist area. The carpal ligament will be opened. This will free the median nerve. The incision will then be closed with stitches. A bulky bandage will be applied to the wound. Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel ReleaseTwo tiny cuts in the skin will be made on the palm side of the wrist. A small tool with a camera will be passed through an incision. This camera will allow the doctor to see inside of the carpal tunnel. Other surgical tools will be passed through the other incision. These tools will be used to release the carpal ligament. After the camera and instruments are removed, a few stitches will be needed to close the incisions. A bulky bandage will then be placed over the wounds. In some cases, the doctor may need to change to the open procedure.
How Long Will It Take? TOPAbout 15-60 minutes How Much Will It Hurt? TOPAnesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure. When the anesthesia wears off, you will have some pain in the area. Talk to your doctor about medication to help manage the pain. Post-procedure Care TOPAt the Care CenterYou will be monitored in a recovery area until you are ready to go home. Your hand and wrist will be wrapped in a bulky bandage. The wrist will be elevated to control swelling. Ice packs may be applied periodically. At HomeWhen you return home:
You may have to wear a brace or splint for several weeks after surgery. Complete recovery may take 4 weeks or longer. The pain and numbness or tingling in your hand and fingers usually improves quickly. Your strength will slowly begin to improve. Call Your Doctor TOPAfter arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occur:
If you think you have an emergency, call for emergency medical services right away. RESOURCES:Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians http://familydoctor.org Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons http://orthoinfo.aaos.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org/ Health Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html References:Carpal tunnel release. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Accessed September 7, 2017. Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: ...(Click grey area to select URL) Updated January 2017. Accessed September 7, 2017. Last reviewed September 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS Last Updated: 9/9/2014 | ||
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