Skip to main content
 
 

Carpal Tunnel Release

 

What is Carpal Tunnel Release?

Carpal tunnel is a type of hand condition that is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the carpal tunnel of the wrist. This can cause numbness, tingling or weakness in the thumb or fingers. During a carpal tunnel release, your surgeon cuts through the ligament that is pressing down on the carpal tunnel, making more room for the median nerve and tendons to pass through.

Do I Need Carpal Tunnel Release?

The only reason you may need carpal tunnel surgery is if you have received a diagnosis of carpal tunnel. Your provider may recommend nonsurgical treatments first to see if there is improvement. If these non-invasive treatments don’t improve pain, surgery may be necessary. Considerations for surgery may include:

  • Nonsurgical interventions do not improve pain.
  • You are determined to have carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Muscles of the hand or wrist are weak and getting smaller due to the severe pinching of the median nerve.
  • Symptoms have lasted 6 months or longer with no relief or improvement.

Risks of Carpal Tunnel Release

As with any surgery, there are certain risks to be aware of with carpal tunnel surgery. Anesthesia will be used to put you to sleep, which comes with its own set of risks. Other potential risks include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Injury to the median nerve.
  • Injuries to nearby blood vessels.
  • Sensitive scar.

What to Expect during a Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel surgery is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. There are two types of surgery:

  • Open carpal tunnel release – involves cutting the wrist open to reveal the ligament to cut it.
  • Endoscopic carpal tunnel release – performed through a thin, flexible tube that contains a camera and is inserted through a small slit in the skin. Thin tools are then inserted into the slit to administer the cut.

Pain in your hand and wrist is normal following surgery. Your wrist will likely be in heavy bandage for 1 to 2 weeks. The recovery from carpal tunnel surgery can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. If the nerve has been compressed for a long period of time, recovery can take longer.

Contact your provider if you develop any of the following:

  • Fever
  • Redness, swelling or bleeding from the incision.
  • Increased pain around the incision.