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Carpal Tunnel Surgery

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  7. Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Nerves and tendons pass through the carpal tunnel, a small opening in your wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when there is increased pressure on the median nerve. The causes are multifactorial and there are well known risk factors including obesity, female gender, diabetes, pregnancy, rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, connective tissue diseases, genetic predisposition and Aromatase inhibitor use.  Symptoms include pain, weakness, and mobility problems in the hand and fingers. Before performing carpal tunnel surgery, a nerve conduction study will be essential to confirm the presence of nerve compression.

How is Carpal Tunnel Surgery Performed?

  • Carpal tunnel release surgery may be performed under local or general anaesthetic.
  • The surgeon makes one small incisions at the base of the hand to gain access to the carpal tunnel and then cuts the transverse carpal ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
  • The skin is sutured closed and the hand is bandaged.

What to Expect After Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

After your carpal tunnel release surgery:

  • You can expect to go home the same day. Bandage can be taken off in 2 days.
  • The stitches will be removed two weeks after surgery.
  • The time frame for your return to work will depend on the type of work you do but you may need to allow up to four to six weeks for your recovery.

Possible Complications

The risks associated with carpal tunnel surgery are low but include:

  • Numbness that may be ongoing.
  • You may experience pain and tenderness around the surgery scar.
  • The pressure is not completely released or the problem recurred. This may require repeat surgery.