Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Repair

Surgery to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which occurs when people use their hands and wrists repeatedly in the same way.

Parts of the Body Involved

Palm and/or wrist

Reasons for Procedure

The median nerve passes through the wrist and into the hand through the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is made up of the bones of the wrist and a thick, fibrous ligament called the transverse carpal ligament. When this ligament becomes inflamed, it puts pressure on the median nerve, causing it to malfunction. This results in numbness and tingling in the hand and fingers, and a weakening of the hands grasp, and is called carpal tunnel syndrome.

Surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome is usually recommended in these cases:

Other therapies have failed, including icing, splints or braces, anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections, physical therapy, ultrasound, or laser light therapy
There is Shrinkage (atrophy) and weakness of the muscles controlling the thumb
Studies of nerve functioning reveal that the median nerve is malfunctioning due to its compression within the carpal tunnel

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

Obesity
Smoking
Alcoholism
Diabetes

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:

Physical exam, concentrating on strength and sensation in the affected hand or hands
Nerve conduction studies
Electromyogram (EMG)

Outcome

You may have to wear a brace or splint for several weeks after surgery.

Complete recovery may take four weeks or longer. You should no longer have numbness or tingling in your hand and fingers, and your grasp strength should begin to improve. You may be given special exercises or be advised to attend physical therapy in order to further improve the strength in your hand and fingers.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision site
Nausea and/or vomiting that you cant control with the medications you were given after surgery, or which persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital
Signs of infection, including fever and chills
Pain that you cant control with the medications youve been given
Pain, tingling, or weakness in your hand
Cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting