Hand Surgery: Surgical Techniques To Correct Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be a very painful condition where the nerves at the base of the hand are compressed due to inflamed tendons and ligaments. This is a frequent problem among people who perform repetitive tasks like typing and assembly-line work. Gradually starting as a twinge, the condition can worsen until you can no longer function with the affected hand. There are two surgery techniques, open and endoscopic, to alleviate the pain.
Here's what you can expect from these treatments:
Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery-A cut is made across the base of the palm. Once opened, the surgeon can clearly see the transverse ligament which is the culprit of the pain. He cuts it and the pressure applied to the nerve is released. Scar tissue eventually forms where the cut was made so no other action is necessary. This is a rather simple procedure that doesn't require a hospital stay.
A local anesthetic is used and you can go home once the hand is stitched up and bandaged. Pain and numbness may persist for a few months and you may need to wear a splint following the removal of stitches. After 90 days, you should be able to get back to your normal activities.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery-The main difference between open and endoscopic hand surgery is that the surgeon can cut the ligament using a much smaller incision. Instead, he inserts a tiny camera into the incision so he can locate the ligament. Watching a monitor, he finds it and makes the cut with very tiny instruments.
The benefit of opting for this procedure is that the recovery is much easier and faster. With open carpal tunnel release, the incision is long and goes across the base of the palm. With a smaller incision, the risk of infection is reduced as well as the pain, numbness and swelling. You should be able to get back to normal in a month or so.
The most important thing is that you seek help when you first notice the symptoms. There are steps you can take to prevent the condition from worsening and increasing the need for hand surgery. If you do require operation, make sure your surgeon is board certified and has experience in treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
After the procedure, find out ways to prevent it from happening to your other hand. There are exercises you can do as well as braces you can wear to take pressure off of the nerves. If you do repetitive work, remember to take a break and stretch every so often. Once you notice the symptoms, you can't ignore the problem-it will affect more than just your ability to do your job. Seek help before it gets worse.
Here's what you can expect from these treatments:
Open Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery-A cut is made across the base of the palm. Once opened, the surgeon can clearly see the transverse ligament which is the culprit of the pain. He cuts it and the pressure applied to the nerve is released. Scar tissue eventually forms where the cut was made so no other action is necessary. This is a rather simple procedure that doesn't require a hospital stay.
A local anesthetic is used and you can go home once the hand is stitched up and bandaged. Pain and numbness may persist for a few months and you may need to wear a splint following the removal of stitches. After 90 days, you should be able to get back to your normal activities.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery-The main difference between open and endoscopic hand surgery is that the surgeon can cut the ligament using a much smaller incision. Instead, he inserts a tiny camera into the incision so he can locate the ligament. Watching a monitor, he finds it and makes the cut with very tiny instruments.
The benefit of opting for this procedure is that the recovery is much easier and faster. With open carpal tunnel release, the incision is long and goes across the base of the palm. With a smaller incision, the risk of infection is reduced as well as the pain, numbness and swelling. You should be able to get back to normal in a month or so.
The most important thing is that you seek help when you first notice the symptoms. There are steps you can take to prevent the condition from worsening and increasing the need for hand surgery. If you do require operation, make sure your surgeon is board certified and has experience in treating carpal tunnel syndrome.
After the procedure, find out ways to prevent it from happening to your other hand. There are exercises you can do as well as braces you can wear to take pressure off of the nerves. If you do repetitive work, remember to take a break and stretch every so often. Once you notice the symptoms, you can't ignore the problem-it will affect more than just your ability to do your job. Seek help before it gets worse.
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