Everything You Need to Know About Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Also known as carpal tunnel release or carpal decompression surgery, carpal tunnel surgery is performed to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. No ortho implants may be required to perform this surgery as it involves cutting of the transverse carpal ligament in order to relieve the pressure on the median nerve present in the wrist.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs due to pinching of the major nerves in the wrist and that results in tingling, numbness, and shooting pain in the fingers. Besides this, weakness of hand muscles could also be seen.

Carpal tunnel surgery is required when other treatment methods like NSAIDs, steroid injections, and wrist splinting fail to provide any relief. Let us start with an overview of carpal tunnel surgery.

 

What is Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

The aim of carpal tunnel surgery is to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This is achieved by releasing the transverse carpal ligament present on the palm side of the hand. One thing to be noticed here is that this surgery can either be performed as an open surgery or a minimally invasive surgery depending upon the condition. The decision of which surgical procedure will be effective is taken by the doctor after properly analyzing the situation.

If minimally invasive endoscopic surgery is performed, there will be a shorter recovery time and the patient can return to work sooner.

 

Contraindications associated with Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Any reaction in the past to anesthesia is one of the main contraindications for carpal tunnel surgery. Besides this, the doctors also avoid performing carpal tunnel surgery during pregnancy to avoid even minor chances of any complications. They always suggest waiting until the baby is born.

 

Risks Associated with Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Carpal tunnel surgery is counted among one of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed and it is generally considered safe. But still, there are certain complications associated with the condition:

• Median nerve injury
• Nearby arterial or tendon damage
• Pain or scar tenderness
• Hypertrophic scar
• Post-operative infection

 

Why is Carpal Tunnel Surgery performed?

The median nerve is known to be one of the major nerves in the upper extremities that starts at the shoulder and goes to the fingertips. When this nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel the person will experience symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and if ignored, the condition could become chronic. Some of the symptoms of this syndrome that may require surgery include:

• Severe chronic pain
• Inability to move thumb in the perpendicular position
• Finger dexterity loss
• Loss of two-point discrimination

 

Carpal tunnel surgery is known to relieve symptoms and improve hand sensation. Besides this, the functional status of the hand could also be restored.

 

Post-Operative Considerations

After keeping in surveillance for an hour or two, the doctor will discharge the patient. Before you leave, the surgeons will make sure that you can wiggle your fingers. Pain and discomfort after carpal tunnel surgery are common and for that, the doctor might prescribe certain medicines. Depending upon the recovery speed, the sutures might be removed 7 to 14 weeks after surgery. Besides this, the patient might also be required to wear a splint or brace until complete healing is done.

 

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