Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

What is Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?

Carpal tunnel release (also referred to as carpal tunnel decompression or tunnel release surgery) is a surgical procedure to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Strong wrist ligaments, specifically the transverse carpal ligament, form the roof of the carpal tunnel, while wrist bones form the base. Swelling in the wrist area or repetitive motion may compress that space and increase pressure on the median nerve, leading to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, such as constant numbness or tingling, pain on the thumb side of the wrist, and weakness in grip strength.

During the procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision in the palm or wrist and cuts the transverse carpal ligament to create more space in the tunnel and relieve pressure on the median nerve. This reduces the symptoms and improves hand function for many patients.

Candidates for Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Carpal tunnel surgery is typically considered for patients who have persistent symptoms that significantly affect their quality of life and have not responded well to non-surgical treatments. Candidates may include individuals who experience:

• Constant numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers.
• Persistent pain that interferes with daily activities or sleep.
• Weakness in the hand that impacts grip strength or causes difficulty in performing tasks.
• Symptoms that have lasted six months or longer without improvement.

Before recommending surgery, your doctor will likely conduct a thorough examination, which may include nerve conduction studies to assess the severity of the nerve compression. If your symptoms are moderate to severe and do not improve with conservative management, you may be a good candidate for carpal tunnel release surgery.

Reasons for Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Carpal tunnel surgery is performed primarily to alleviate the symptoms caused by carpal tunnel syndrome. The reasons for opting for this procedure include:

• Relief from chronic pain and discomfort: When nonsurgical treatments fail, surgery can provide lasting relief from pain, allowing patients to resume their normal activities.
• Prevention of further nerve damage: Prolonged compression of the median nerve can lead to permanent nerve damage if left untreated. Surgery can help prevent this by reducing the pressure on the nerve.
• Improvement in hand function: Surgery can restore grip strength and coordination in the hand, improving the ability to perform daily tasks and work-related activities.

Preparing for Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Before undergoing carpal tunnel release surgery, you will have a preoperative consultation with your surgeon to discuss your medical history, current medications, and any concerns you may have. Your surgeon will provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare, which may include:

• Avoiding certain medications: You may be advised to stop taking blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, in the days leading up to surgery.
• Arranging for help: As this is usually an outpatient procedure, you will need someone to drive you home afterward.
• Fasting: If you are undergoing the procedure under general anesthesia, you may need to fast for several hours before surgery.

Types of Surgical Approaches

Your doctor will discuss beforehand which surgical procedure would be best for you. The different types of surgical approaches include the following:

Open carpal tunnel release

The surgeon makes an incision in the palm and cuts the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release

Endoscopic surgery uses a small camera that is inserted through one or two small incisions. The surgeon uses specialized instruments to cut the ligament while viewing the internal structures on a monitor.

Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release

In this case, the ultrasound is used to visualize the nerves and vessels, allowing the surgeon to use a small incision and a special device to release the ligament. The surgery can often be done with local anesthesia, and, in most cases, no stitches are necessary.

What to Expect During the Procedure

On the day of the surgery, you will be taken to the operating room, where the surgical area will be cleaned and sterilized. Depending on the technique chosen and your specific situation, the procedure may be performed under local, regional, or general anesthesia.

The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis and will take about 15–30 minutes to complete. After cutting the ligament, the incision is closed, and a bandage or wrist splint is applied.

Risks and Possible Complications

While carpal tunnel release is common, no surgery is without risks. Potential complications include:

• Infection or bleeding
• Allergic reaction to medications
• Nerve damage or injury to the surrounding blood vessels, tendons, or muscles
• Scar tenderness or stiffness
• Continued pain or worsening pain in rare cases

Your surgeon will review specific risks and take steps to reduce complications.

Recovery and Outlook After Carpal Tunnel Release

Recovery time varies depending on the patient and the procedure. Recovery may include the following

• You will wear a wrist splint or bandage for initial healing, often for about a week.
• Physical therapy exercises are given to improve wrist strength and flexibility, and reduce swelling.
• You’ll gradually return to light activities (e.g., tasks around the house or office) within a few weeks, though full return to more strenuous work may take several months.

Physical therapy helps restore wrist strength and function, and many patients report less pain and improved quality of life after carpal tunnel release surgery.

Benefits of Tunnel Release Surgery

Surgery can help in the following ways:

• Relieve chronic pain, tingling, and numbness
• Prevent further nerve damage by reducing pressure on the median nerve
• Restore grip strength, coordination, and wrist function
• Provide relief when nonsurgical treatments have not helped

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Atlanta and Marietta patients experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome deserve a thorough evaluation. At Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow, our experienced orthopedic surgeons offer both endoscopic surgery and open carpal tunnel release options suited to your needs. 

Contact our carpal tunnel specialists to schedule a consultation and learn whether tunnel release surgery is right for you!