Carpal Tunnel Release
What is a Carpal Tunnel Release?
Carpal tunnel release is surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, which is pain and weakness in the hand caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. For this procedure, the surgeon cuts through the ligament to make more space for the nerve and tendons. Surgeons may elect to perform this procedure endoscopically by using a tiny camera attached to a monitor.
When is Surgery Recommended?
Patients with carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms usually try non-surgical treatments first such as anti-inflammatory medications, therapy, wrist splints and corticosteroid injections. If the non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful, some surgeons will test the electrical activity of the median nerve by conducting an EMG. If the EMG test shows that it is carpal tunnel syndrome, then the physician may recommend a carpal tunnel release. Carpal tunnel release is done on an outpatient basis.
Outlook
Most patients are benefited by having a carpal tunnel release as it decreases pain, numbness, nerve tingling and restores muscle strength. A patient’s recovery depends on factors such as how long they had symptoms before surgery and how damaged their median nerve is. If a patient experienced symptoms for a long period of time, they may not be completely free of symptoms after they recover.
At the Bethesda Orthopaedic Institute, our team of experienced orthopaedic surgeons are here to help you get back to living! Visit our Find a Physician page to locate an orthopaedic surgeon on our Medical Staff.