And no matter which procedure you have, you can request local anesthesia (meaning you’re awake but comfortable). When the endoscope reaches your wrist, your surgeon can use the device to cut your ligament.īoth types of carpal tunnel release surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you can return home the same day. Next, they gently guide a small tube (endoscope) mounted with a camera through one of the incisions. This is usually the preferred technique for people who have had previous carpal tunnel surgery or broken hand or wrist bones.Įndoscopic carpal tunnel release: During this minimally invasive approach, your surgeon makes a half-inch incision on your wrist.

Next, they perform the surgery using traditional surgical tools. Open carpal tunnel release: With this approach, your surgeon makes a two-inch incision on your palm.

Orthopedic surgeons from UI Health Care offer two types of carpal tunnel release surgery: In fact, for many people, carpal tunnel surgery provides immediate and permanent relief. There’s no harm in cutting into this ligament it won’t affect your hand or wrist function. The standard surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is called “carpal tunnel release surgery.” During the procedure, your surgeon makes an opening in the ligament that covers your carpal tunnel, so that it no longer compresses the median nerve. If your symptoms are severe or nonsurgical treatments don’t help, your provider may recommend surgery. This helps us make a diagnosis more quickly and reduces the number of trips you need to make to our campus. Hand function tests to assess your grip, dexterity, and other measures of hand strength and functionĪn ultrasound to determine if your median nerve is compressedĪn electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction study to measure how well your hand and wrist muscles respond to nerve stimulationīecause we offer in-office ultrasound, we can usually look at your carpal tunnel and median nerve the same day as your physical exam. To that end, you may have one or more of the following:Ī physical examination to see if certain hand and wrist movements cause you to feel numbness or tingling These conditions include spinal stenosis, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and thoracic outlet syndrome. We offer all the tests you might need to diagnose carpal tunnel and rule out other conditions that can cause the same symptoms. If you or your provider suspect you have carpal tunnel syndrome, turn to UI Health Care.

Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, you may eventually even have a hard time using your hands for everyday tasks. Reduced dexterity in your hand and fingersĬarpal tunnel symptoms usually come on gradually and get worse over time. Pain that starts in your hand and radiates down your forearm Pain or tingling in your fingers (especially your thumb, index finger, and middle finger) Numbness or loss of sensation in your fingertips Other symptoms, which can occur at any time of day or night, include: These sensations may be strong enough to wake you up. Carpal tunnel symptomsįor many people, an early sign of carpal tunnel syndrome is hand numbness or tingling during the night. This pressure can affect sensation and movement in your hand and wrist. If your ligament becomes inflamed (swollen) because of an injury or overuse, it can press against your median nerve. It’s also covered by a strong band of tissue called a ligament. This space contains the median nerve, which allows your forearm, wrist, and hand to move and feel things. Your “carpal tunnel” is a narrow opening (tunnel) inside your wrist. What causes carpal tunnel syndrome?Ĭarpal tunnel syndrome is one of many conditions caused by a compressed nerve. However, it usually occurs in people who frequently use their wrists, hands, and fingers. Walking Directions to Your Orthopedics Appointment at UI Hospitals & ClinicsĬarpal tunnel syndrome can affect anyone, especially people over age 30. Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (Physiatry) Refer a Patient for Orthopedic Spine Care Specialty Care for Pregnant and Postpartum AthletesĪCL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tear or Injury