Get the care you deserve close to home at one of our New Jersey or New York Locations.
Carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery is the most performed hand and wrist surgery in the United States, with more than 400,000 procedures carried out each year.
Carpal tunnel surgery is typically recommended for people who have tried other treatments, such as splinting, medication, and physical therapy, but have not found relief from their symptoms.
It may also be recommended for people who have severe or persistent symptoms, such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand, that interfere with daily activities or work. Pain in the neck, shoulder, arm, and hand can also be a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The most common conditions that require carpal tunnel surgery are:
A conclusive diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome and its severity can be made through a two-part electrical test called nerve conduction test, which provides the most reliable evidence for this condition.
At OrthoEast, our team will evaluate your condition and determine whether carpal tunnel surgery is the best option for you.
Our carpal tunnel surgery specialist at OrthoEast is Dr. Andrew McGinnis.
In addition to carpal tunnel surgery, our physicians are also experts in fields such as minimally invasive spine surgery, Tommy John surgery and various arthroscopy procedures.
Our board-certified physicians provide comprehensive care to each and every patient, which allows us to guide you through your procedure with enhanced comfort and confidence.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed or squeezed as it travels through the wrist at the carpal tunnel.
One common cause of compressed nerves is bone spurs, also known as osteophytes. When bone spurs compress the median nerve in the wrist, they can cause pain, weakness, nerve damage, and a loss of sensation in the affected hands and fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by repetitive motions, injuries, and medical conditions such as diabetes and arthritis.
If the carpal tunnel syndrome is not severe, corticosteroid injections can be used to treat the condition, which can improve your movement due to the injection of methylprednisolone. If the carpal tunnel syndrome is more severe, we might recommend surgery.
The procedure for carpal tunnel syndrome, known as carpal tunnel release surgery, can be performed as an open surgery or endoscopically, through a small incision.
The procedure focuses on creating more space for the median nerve.
This nerve runs from the forearm into the hand and is responsible for providing sensation to the palm, thumb, index finger, and middle finger.
In some cases, carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to nerve damage that affects the function of the hand and wrist. This nerve damage can cause weakness, loss of sensation, and other symptoms that can make it difficult to perform everyday activities.
Here is an overview of how carpal tunnel surgery is performed:
At OrthoEast, our board-certified physicians perform several types of carpal tunnel surgery, based on the severity and cause of the carpal tunnel syndrome. The procedures we perform include:
During this procedure, we make a small incision in the wrist and insert an endoscope, which allows us to visualize the carpal tunnel and the transverse carpal ligament responsible for compressing the median nerve.
We then use a special tool to cut the transverse carpal ligament, which relieves pressure on the median nerve and alleviates symptoms.
Compared to traditional open carpal tunnel release surgery, endoscopic carpal tunnel release offers several benefits, including smaller incisions, less scarring, and quicker recovery time.
During this procedure, which offers a historically low complication rate, we make a larger incision in the wrist to access and cut the ligament that is pressing on the median nerve.
Once we access the carpal tunnel, we use a small surgical instrument to carefully cut the transverse carpal ligament, which relieves the pressure on the median nerve.
After the ligament has been cut, we close the incision with stitches, and apply a bandage or splint to immobilize the wrist and protect it from further damage.
Mini-open carpal tunnel release combines the benefits of both endoscopic and open release techniques.
During this surgery, we make a small incision in the palm of the hand, similar to the incision in open release surgery.
After, we insert a special instrument with a small camera attached to it to visualize the carpal tunnel and guide the release of the transverse carpal ligament.
This allows us for a more precise and targeted approach to the surgery.
Ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release is a minimally invasive procedure that uses ultrasound technology to guide the release of the transverse carpal ligament.
During this procedure, we use an ultrasound machine to visualize the inside of the wrist and locate the transverse carpal ligament.
Then, we make small incisions in the wrist, and insert a specialized instrument to cut the ligament.
Before surgery, you will undergo a physical examination and imaging tests to assess the severity of your carpal tunnel syndrome.
Also, you may be instructed to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners, to reduce the risk of bleeding during the procedure. You may also be advised to stop eating or drinking for a certain period prior to the surgery.
It’s important to arrange for transportation to and from the surgery center or hospital, as you may not be able to drive immediately following the procedure.
You may be given specific instructions on how to care for the surgical site and manage pain after the procedure, to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.
The length of the surgery depends on the type of procedure being performed and the severity of the carpal tunnel syndrome.
On average, carpal tunnel surgery takes about 30 minutes to one hour to complete.
After carpal tunnel surgery, you may experience some pain, swelling, and stiffness in your hand and wrist. You will need to wear a splint for a few weeks to immobilize your wrist and promote healing.
Guidelines for carpal tunnel surgery aftercare include:
Factors such as your overall health, the severity of your condition, and the type of surgery performed all play a role in determining the length of time needed for recovery following the procedure.
Here are some general guidelines regarding the surgery recovery time:
We understand this is a lot of information to take in! That’s why our compassionate team will work with you to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in your decision.
Don’t let carpal tunnel syndrome limit your quality of life. Find us at one of our New Jersey or New York locations:
