Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Types Of Carpal Tunnel Surgery And Recovery

Carpal tunnel surgery is one of the options for getting relief from the pain of carpal tunnel disease. Carpal tunnel disease can be a very debilitating condition, especially when it progresses and does not get better with treatment. There are two general types of carpal tunnel surgery you might consider. There is a minimally invasive type that goes by several different names: laparoscopic, endoscopic and arthroscopic. There is also another approach, which involves cutting open the hand near the wrist and the bottom of the palm. You can read more about these types of surgeries below.

A carpal tunnel operation helps re-align the carpal tunnel ligament and will prevent it from putting pressure on the median nerve. This is what causes the pain in the fingers and hands that is typical of carpal tunnel disease.

When carpal tunnel syptoms are severe and constant, a carpal tunnel operation is sometimes the best option from the start. If you are a potential candidate for a carpal tunnel operation, it's important that you learn as much as possible to prepare yourself for the upcoming procedure, or for making the decision of whether or not to have the surgery.

When you doctor talks to you about a carpal tunnel operation, he or she will discuss the two main types of surgery. A traditional open approach surgery means the doctors will make an incision in the palm of your hand that allows them to cut the ligament and close the skin over it. This incision is made in the same direction as the middle and ring finger of the hand. The surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament, releasing pressure on the median nerve. This relieves the pain caused by symptoms.

There are other surgical techniques that are less invasive because they don't require such a large incision. These operations are variously called endoscopic, laparoscopic, or arthroscopic procedures. These are newer methods that work better in many cases and reduce the effect of scarring. This type is done by making several small incisions in your wrist flexion crease. The surgeon inserts a device called an endoscope, which includes a tiny camera and very small cutting tools. The endoscope allows the surgeon see structures in the wrist, such as the transverse carpal ligament, without opening the entire area as is done with the open approach.

Many surgeons prefer the open approach because it gives them more access to the nerve to be sure the surgery is done correctly.

Recovery 

If you decide to have a carpal tunnel operation, it's important that you also learn as much as you can about recovery. You need to know what steps to take after the surgery to ensure you heal properly and that you benefit the most from your surgery to help your condition. Then you can ensure you get the most benefit from the surgery.

After carpal tunnel surgery, you'll find that your hand and wrist feel better, have less tingling and numbness, that that you'll gain more strength back.  Symptoms will subside and in time, go away completely. This enables many people to continue with their job or other daily functions.

Your return to normal activities while recovering from a carpal tunnel procedure depends on whether the surgery has been done on the hand you use most often (called the dominant hand). The surgery was performed on your non-dominant hand, you may be able to resume normal activities in a day or two. But if the operation was done on your dominant hand and you often do repetitive activities with that hand, you may need about a month for recovery. Physical therapy may help you get back to normal sooner.

Talk with your doctor about recovering from carpal tunnel surgery and watch for symptoms to return or complications to arise. When you get informed, you ensure you have a safer surgery with the best possible results.

We have related information on carpal tunnel syndrome and carpal tunnel symptoms.