Surgery called carpal tunnel release is used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the thumb and fingers and causes discomfort, weakness, tingling, and numbness. Activities or movements that impinge on the median nerve in the wrist leading to carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel can be painful and debilitating if it’s been an issue for an extended period.

How Can Carpal Tunnel Be Treated?

Your median nerve controls the tendons in your hand and wrist. If you’re experiencing pain in your hand and wrist you might need carpal tunnel surgery. In this surgery, the nerve is severed during carpal tunnel release surgery. This reduces symptoms by relieving pressure on the median nerve. Your wrist and hand can still be used, and where the ligament is sliced, scar tissue will ultimately grow. Your physician could advise carpal tunnel surgery if:

• Your symptoms have not decreased despite several weeks or months of nonsurgical therapy.
• Your symptoms are intense, and they keep you from going about your everyday business.
• You have damage to the median nerve.
• The median nerve is under pressure from other tissue, such as a tumor.

Carpal tunnel release surgery comes in two flavors: open, in which the doctor makes an incision in your palm, and endoscopic, in which the doctor performs the procedure using a tiny tube inserted into your wrist. During endoscopic wrist surgery, an endoscope is placed through a tiny incision created close to the wrist crease. The surgeon can see the transverse carpal ligament, which is pushing on the median nerve, thanks to the endoscope’s camera, which also allows him to see other internal wrist structures. The ligament is then released, releasing the nerve strain using specialized surgical tools.

One of the main advantages of endoscopic wrist surgery is the smaller incision size, which is usually approximately 1 cm, and leads to less post-operative discomfort and scars. Patients can frequently go home the same day as the treatment because it is typically done under local anesthetic. Endoscopic wrist surgery offers a speedier recovery time than conventional open surgery since it is minimally intrusive. After the operation, most patients report decreased discomfort and swelling and may return to regular activities within a few weeks. Physical therapy may be advised to help with recovery and regain wrist strength and mobility.

Endoscopic wrist surgery has a high percentage of success in treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Studies have revealed that the technique significantly reduces symptoms for most patients, including numbness, tingling, and hand weakness. Long-term results have been positive, with many enduring improved quality of life and hand function. Endoscopic wrist surgery carries significant risks and problems like any surgical treatment. These can include infection, nerve or blood vessel damage, or insufficient symptom alleviation. The total complication rate is nonetheless relatively modest.

Carpal Tunnel Surgery With Lake Country Plastic and Hand Surgery.

You have options when it comes to carpal tunnel surgery. However, if you’re in the Waukesha, WI, area, call Lake Country Plastic and Hand Surgery at (262) 523-1200 to schedule a consultation to review your options. Whether you’re looking at open surgery or endoscopic surgery, Dr. Tracy McCall can answer your questions.