Click here to view an animated version of this procedure.
Carpel tunnel release is a surgery where the ligament covering the carpel tunnel is cut open.
The 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:
Complications 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:
Your doctor may do the following:
Leading up to your procedure:
General 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 medicine to help you relax.
Your doctor will discuss with you which may be best.
A classic open incision or an endoscopic technique may be used:
A 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.
Two 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. The doctor will use these tools 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.
About 15-60 minutes
Anesthesia will prevent pain during the procedure. Once the anesthesia wears off, you will have some pain in the area. Talk to your doctor about medicine to help manage the pain.
You 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.
When you return home, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
You may have to wear a brace or splint for several weeks after surgery. Complete recovery may take four weeks or longer. The pain and numbness or tingling in your hand and fingers usually improves rather quickly. Your grasp strength will slowly begin to improve.
After arriving home, contact your doctor if any of the following occurs:
In case of an emergency, CALL 911 .
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
Family Doctor
http://familydoctor.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
Canale ST, Campbel WC. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics . 9th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book; 1998.
Last reviewed November 2009 by Robert E. Leach, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.