Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release six months postoperative
Carpal tunnel release referred for a second opinion regarding revision surgery
An alternate view of carpal tunnel release (patient referred for a second opinion regarding revision surgery).
About Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Technique
If you have been experienced chronic wrist pain or numbness in your hands, you may be thinking that you have carpal tunnel syndrome. While only a proper diagnosis can determine if you have the condition, if you are found to have carpal tunnel, one treatment option is Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release is an improved carpal tunnel surgery technique in which the hand surgeon accesses the wrist’s transverse carpal ligament via either a half inch or two quarter inch incisions (in distinction to the usual two-inch palmar cut that is standard in open procedures).
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a popular surgery and Dr. Mark E. Pruzansky has successfully performed over 3,000 cases for patients in the New York City. Dr. Pruzansky stresses non-operative treatments whenever possible, however, if carpal tunnel surgery was required, here is what it would entail.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Explained
Using a pencil-thin arthroscope, cannula and tiny knives, the hand surgeon is able to incise the ligament from the inside of the carpal tunnel, which in turn allows the carpal tunnel to expand and increase in volume, alleviating the painful pressure on the median nerve and allowing it to heal.
Post-operative treatment for this carpal tunnel surgery includes a light dressing for less than a week and, sometimes, short-term occupational therapy.
Performed in an outpatient setting, Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release provides a quicker and less painful recuperation to traditional carpal tunnel surgery methods, in most cases, as well as recovery of superior grip and pinch strength. As a result, patients are able to return sooner to both athletic and work activities.
In general, this carpal tunnel surgery should take 20 to 30 minutes.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Video
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery Time
The recovery time from carpal tunnel surgery will depend on the individual’s age, activity level and overall health. Many patients report a reduction in pain immediately after surgery, while others may take months to make a full recovery. Recovery time from carpal tunnel surgery is something that is discussed prior to the surgery.
Think you might have carpal tunnel? Here’s some common symptoms:
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem for any performer, athlete, or worker who uses their wrist in the same repetitive motion, over and over.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel start as pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand, thumb, and fingers which is caused by a compression of the median nerve. The median nerve travels the length of the arm, down into the hand.
If you feel these symptoms in the palm side of your hand, you may be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome.
The median nerve serves an important function for our hands, helping us to feel and move muscles in our hands and palms. For this reason, carpal tunnel syndrome can be painful and crippling. Surgery may be an option to relieve these symptoms.