Carpal tunnel release

Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a painful condition where the median nerve in the wrist gets compressed. CTS can be due to the inflammation and enlargement of the median nerve, tendons, or thickening of the transverse carpal ligament or by the presence of a tumor or cyst within the carpal tunnel. Irrespective of the direct or indirect cause, the result will be the pressure on the median nerve and the dysfunctionality of the hand.

Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused due to many factors. Some of the causes include-

Diseases or conditions that can increase chances to develop Carpal tunnel syndrome include-

broken bones or dislocated bones in the wrist,
diabetes,
repetitive forceful grasping or bending of the wrist or continued writing,
thyroid problem,
menopause, and/or
obesity.
Acromegaly

Symptoms of Carpal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include-

Numbness, tingling or burning pain, in the palm, thumb, middle and ring fingers
Weakness of the hand
Thinning of muscles in the hand
Occasional shock-like sensations through the wrist and hand
Poor sleep quality
Dropping things due to weakness and loss of sensations in hands

The treatment procedure for Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery

The carpal tunnel release surgery is done under Local anesthesia or regional anesthesia. In carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, the carpal tunnel surgeon will make an incision in the palm of the patient’s hand. During the surgical procedure, the surgeon will divide the transverse carpal ligament in the wrist which is usually thickened and compressing the median nerve. The surgical wound is closed in 2-3 layers. Wound Dressing is applied and your surgeon may advice you to use wrist splint in some cases. The stitches are removed at around 10 days to 2 weeks after the surgery. The patient is recommended to avoid repetitive use and hyper-extension of the wrist for around a month after the surgery.

Risks involved in the surgery:

Carpal tunnel release is relatively a simple surgery but there are some associated risks in the carpal tunnel surgery which include,

If you have been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, then Consult a Neurosurgeon to get his opinion on further treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does carpal tunnel release surgery involve and is it done under local or general anaesthesia?

Carpal tunnel release involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to enlarge the carpal tunnel and relieve pressure on the median nerve. It is typically performed under local anaesthesia as a day procedure. The surgery takes 15–30 minutes, and patients go home the same day with a small dressing.

How soon after carpal tunnel release surgery will numbness and tingling in my fingers improve?

Most patients notice improvement in nighttime symptoms and tingling within days to weeks after carpal tunnel release. Full recovery of sensation may take 3–6 months, and longer in severe cases with significant nerve damage before surgery. Hand therapy and exercises after surgery speed up functional recovery.

Can carpal tunnel syndrome come back after release surgery and what are the long-term results?

Recurrence after carpal tunnel release is uncommonless than 10% of cases. Long-term success rates are excellent, with the majority of patients achieving sustained relief for many years. If symptoms recur, revision surgery may be considered, though this is rarely required.

Carpal tunnel release

Causes of carpal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms of Carpal tunnel syndrome

The treatment procedure for Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery

Risks involved in the surgery:

Frequently Asked Questions

Dr. Arun Rajeswaran

Quick Links

Get In Touch

Address:

Email:

Hotline: