Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal tunnel release is a common surgical procedure. Generally recommended if symptoms last for 6 months, surgery involves severing the band of tissue around the wrist to reduce pressure on the median nerve. Surgery is done under local anesthesia and does not require an overnight hospital stay. Many patients require surgery on both hands.
Open Release
Open release surgery, the traditional carpal tunnel correction surgery, involves making an incision up to 2 inches in the wrist and then cutting the carpal ligament to enlarge the carpal tunnel. The surgery is generally done outpatient under local anesthesia.
Endoscopic Surgery
Endoscopic surgery may allow faster functional recovery and less post-op discomfort than traditional open release surgery. A surgeon makes two incisions in the wrist and palm, inserts a camera attached to a tube, observes the tissue on a screen, and cuts the carpal ligament. This two-portal endoscopic surgery, generally performed under local anesthesia, is effective and minimizes scarring and scar tenderness. One-portal endoscopic surgery is also available.
Recovery
Although symptoms may be relieved immediately after surgery, full recovery can take months. Some patients may have:
Sometimes the wrist loses strength because the carpal ligament is cut. Patients should undergo physical therapy to restore wrist strength. Some may need to adjust duties or change jobs after recovery.
