Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery
Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) may be recommended if pain and other symptoms related to this disorder continue for a long amount of time or the patient of is showing signs of muscle atrophy caused by the median nerve entrapment.
The majority of people that are diagnosed with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome will not need surgery.
Symptoms of CTS are commonly resolved through a combination of conservative treatments. If a person with CTS has arthritis or diabetes, those conditions may need to be treated first. A doctor may recommend surgery to a patient who has not benefited from conservative treatments.
Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal Tunnel Release is one of the most common surgical procedures in the United States and is usually done as an outpatient procedure. There are two types of surgical procedures used to cut and release the transverse carpal ligament, Open and Endoscopic. These surgical procedures have similar response rates and patients should expect it to take anywhere from several weeks to several months to recover.
Open Carpal Tunnel Release – The traditional method. A surgeon will make an incision in the skin of the palm to gain visibility and access to the transverse carpal ligament. The ligament is cut (released) during this procedure. An Open surgery may require a longer recovery period and will leave a bigger scar. Temporary nerve problems are less likely to develop after open surgery. Open surgery may also be used if the patient has a tumor or growth that must be removed. This is the traditional method of surgery.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release – one to 2 small incisions are made near the wrist. An endoscope (small camera) is inserted and displays visual images of the area on a monitor. The ligament is cut (released) during this procedure. The incisions in the palm are closed with stitches. Patients who have this type of surgery should expect to recovery faster than patients who have had the open release procedure. There may be fewer complications than with endoscopic surgery.
if you’re experiencing pain as a result of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, call or email us to schedule an appointment. An orthopedic hand specialist will be able to evaluate your condition and discuss your treatment options.