Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Carpal tunnel surgery, or carpal tunnel release, is a procedure in which the carpal tunnel ligament in the wrist is cut to relieve pressure on the median nerve, which provides sensation and motor control to the hand. Carpal tunnel release may be done through open or endoscopic surgery. In endoscopic surgery, a tube containing a small camera is inserted into a small incision to guide the surgeon during the procedure.
What is carpal tunnel surgery used for?
Carpal tunnel surgery is used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, which is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This compression can produce tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the hand or wrist. It may also cause loss of function.
Am I a good candidate for carpal tunnel surgery?
You may be a good candidate for carpal tunnel surgery if you have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that have lasted six months or longer and have not improved with nonsurgical treatments. The procedure is done with local anesthesia and does not require an overnight hospital stay.