CARPAL TUNNEL SURGERY Meaning and
Definition
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Carpal tunnel surgery is a medical procedure performed to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed at the wrist.
The surgery is typically recommended when non-surgical treatments, such as wearing a wrist splint or undergoing physical therapy, have not provided sufficient relief from the symptoms. The aim of carpal tunnel surgery is to alleviate the pressure on the median nerve by cutting the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, known as the transverse carpal ligament. This procedure is called carpal tunnel release surgery.
During the surgery, a small incision is made at the base of the palm or on the wrist, allowing the surgeon to access the carpal tunnel. The transverse carpal ligament is then carefully divided, creating more space for the median nerve and relieving the pressure. The incision is sutured closed, and a dressing may be applied to the hand and wrist.
Carpal tunnel surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia, meaning the patient is awake but the area being operated on is numbed. It is typically an outpatient procedure, allowing the patient to return home on the same day. Recovery from carpal tunnel surgery may involve wearing a bandage or splint, as well as engaging in physical therapy exercises to restore strength and flexibility to the wrist and hand.
