The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. Small wrist bones known as carpals form the bottom and sides of your carpal tunnel and a strong band of connecting tissue, known as the transverse carpal ligament, covers the top of the carpal tunnel.
The carpel tunnel houses the flexor tendons, that allow you to bend your fingers, and the median nerve that provides sensation to most of your fingers and hand.
Special tissues known as synovium surround and lubricate the flexor tendons in your wrist, allowing smooth movement of the fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the synovium swells narrowing the limited space within the tunnel and pinches the median nerve over time. The transverse carpal ligament can also become tight narrowing the carpal tunnel space and putting pressure on the median nerve.
Some of the common symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include
The following factors have been known to increase a person’s risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome:
Your doctor diagnoses carpel tunnel syndrome by performing a detailed medical history and physical examination. Further tests may be ordered including an X-ray to view your wrist bones; blood tests to rule out underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and thyroid problems, and electro diagnostic testing to assess the speed and degree of electrical activity in your nerves and muscles.
Carpel tunnel syndrome can be treated with conservative measures or surgical intervention. Conservative treatment options may include treating any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis. Your hand and wrist may be immobilized with a splint or wrist brace for 4 to 6 weeks. Ice packs may be recommended to keep down any swelling. You may be advised to avoid activities that tend to bring on the symptoms. Medication and steroid injections may be used to treat pain and swelling. You may be referred to therapy to be taught strengthening and stretching exercises.
When conservative treatment options are not effective, surgery may be recommended.
Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery is performed in the operating room as an outpatient procedure.
You will be given a local anesthetic to numb your hand and wrist. Your surgeon makes a 2-inch incision at the base of the palm. Retractors are used to hold the skin edges apart in order to allow better visualization and exposure of the underlying tissues. A special cutting instrument is introduced through the incision and the transverse carpal ligament is transected under direct vision. This widens the carpal tunnel and releases pressure from the median nerve. The wound is washed out and the operative incision is closed with sutures and covered with a sterile dressing.
Following surgery, your wrist will be wrapped in a bandage or splint for about a week.
You will be started on a physical therapy program where you will be instructed on special exercises to improve the movement of your hand and wrist.
Some common postoperative guidelines include:
Some of the potential complications of carpal tunnel release surgery include
