Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

What is Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?

Carpal tunnel release surgery (also known as carpal tunnel decompression) is a procedure designed to relieve pressure on the median nerve. The wrist bones form the bottom of the carpal tunnel and the transverse carpal ligament forms the top. Swelling in the tissues surrounding the carpal tunnel can cause symptoms related to carpal tunnel syndrome.

During carpal tunnel release surgery, the surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel in the wrist. By releasing this ligament, the space within the carpal tunnel increases, reducing the pressure on the nerve and relieving symptoms such as pain, tingling, and numbness.

Candidates for Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Carpal tunnel release 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.

The Carpal Tunnel Surgery 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.

• 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.

The surgery typically takes about 15 to 30 minutes, after which the incisions are closed with stitches when needed, and a bandage is applied.

Risks and Complications of Carpal Tunnel Release

As with any surgical procedure, carpal tunnel release surgery carries potential risks and complications. These may include:

• Allergy to medicines
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Injury to surrounding tissues
• Blood vessel or nerve damage
• Scar tenderness
• Worsening pain or stiffness

Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you in detail and take steps to minimize them.

Recovery and Outlook After Carpal Tunnel Release

Recovery from carpal tunnel release surgery varies from patient to patient but generally involves:

• Rest and immobilization: You may need to wear a wrist splint or bandage for a few weeks to protect the wrist as it heals.
• Physical therapy: Exercises may be recommended to restore strength and flexibility in the hand and wrist.
• Gradual return to activities: Most patients can resume light activities within a few weeks, but it may take several months to fully recover and return to more strenuous tasks.

Many patients experience significant relief from their symptoms after surgery, with improved hand function and quality of life. However, the extent of recovery may depend on the severity of the nerve damage before surgery.

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you’re experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and are considering your treatment options, the team at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow is here to help. We specialize in treating wrist conditions with a range of options, including carpal tunnel release surgery.

Contact our carpal tunnel specialists in Marietta and Atlanta, GA, today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can support your recovery!