Carpal Tunnel Release
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Definition
Carpel tunnel release is surgery to cut the ligament covering the carpel tunnel.
Reasons for Procedure
This surgery is done to relieve pressure on the median nerve in people with carpal tunnel syndrome. This is when this nerve is squeezed at the wrist as it runs through the carpal tunnel
Surgery may ease symptoms right away. It will take months to fully heal.
Possible Complications
Problems are rare, but no procedure is free from risk. Some things that may happen are:
- Infection
- Nerve or tendon damage
- Stiffness of the fingers
Things that may raise the risk of problems are:
- Smoking or alcohol use disorder
- Diabetes
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Leading up to your procedure:
- Talk to your doctor about any medicines and supplements you take. You may be asked to stop taking them up to 1 week before surgery.
- Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
- Arrange for help at home after the procedure.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
Anesthesia
Local or general anesthesia may be used. Local anesthesia will numb the area. With general anesthesia, you will be asleep.
Description of the Procedure
One of 2 methods may be used:
Open Carpal Tunnel Release
A small cut 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 be closed with stitches and bandaged.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
Two small cuts will be made on the palm side of the wrist. A small tool with a camera will be passed through the opening. This camera will allow the doctor to see inside of the carpal tunnel. Other tools will be passed through the other incision. These tools will be used to release the carpal ligament. All tools will be removed. The incision will be closed with stitches and bandaged.
How Long Will It Take?
About 15 to 60 minutes
How Much Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Medicine will be given to manage pain after surgery.
Post-procedure Care
At the Care Center
Your wrist will be raised to control swelling. Ice packs will be used to ease swelling.
At Home
You may have to wear a brace or splint after surgery. It will take up to 4 weeks or longer to fully heal. Ask for help around the house during this time.
Call Your Doctor
Call your doctor if you are not feeling better or you have:
- Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, more pain, a lot of bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
- Pain that you cannot control with medicine
- Fingers that are swollen or cold or have changed in color
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help 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:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Clinical Practice Guideline on the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. AAOS 2016 Feb PDF.
Carpal tunnel release. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/orthopaedic/carpal_tunnel_release_135,29/. Accessed September 23, 2019.
Carpal tunnel syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/carpal-tunnel-syndrome. Updated June 24, 2019. Accessed September 23, 2019.
Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet. Updated August 13, 2019. Accessed September 23, 2019.
Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Teresa Briedwell, PT, DPT, OCS, CSCS Last Updated: 10/16/2020