The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway on the palm side of your wrist. Small wrist bones known as carpals form the bottom and sides of your carpal tunnel and a strong band of connecting tissue, known as the transverse carpal ligament, covers the top of the carpal tunnel.
The carpal tunnel houses the flexor tendons that allow you to bend your fingers, and the median nerve that provides sensation to most of your fingers and hand.
Special tissues known as synovium surround and lubricate the flexor tendons in your wrist, allowing smooth movement of the fingers. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the synovium swells narrowing the limited space within the tunnel and pinches the median nerve over time. The transverse carpal ligament can also become tight narrowing the carpal tunnel space and putting pressure on the median nerve.
Some of the common symptoms associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include
The following factors have been known to increase a person’s risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome:
Your doctor diagnoses carpal tunnel syndrome by performing a detailed medical history and physical examination. Further tests may be ordered including an X-ray to view your wrist bones; blood tests to rule out underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, arthritis and thyroid problems, and electro diagnostic testing to assess the speed and degree of electrical activity in your nerves and muscles.
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated with conservative measures or surgical intervention. Conservative treatment options may include treating any underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis. Your hand and wrist may be immobilized with a splint or wrist brace for 4 to 6 weeks. Ice packs may be recommended to keep down any swelling. You may be advised to avoid activities that tend to bring on the symptoms. Medication and steroid injections may be used to treat pain and swelling. You may be referred to therapy to be taught strengthening and stretching exercises.
When conservative treatment options are not effective, surgery may be recommended.
In endoscopic surgery, a thin tube with a fiberoptic camera (endoscope) is used. In single-portal technique a small incision is made in the wrist. The endoscope is inserted through the small incision and helps the doctor visualize the internal structures at the wrist such as the transverse carpal ligament avoiding the need for a large incision.
When the ligament is located, a tiny cutting tool is employed to release the ligament. In the single-portal technique, a single small tube contains both the camera and the cutting tool. The transverse carpal ligament is divided while the surgeon views the ligament on the video monitor. This releases the pressure on the median nerve and alleviates the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
The small incision is closed with stitches. The ligament will heal with the development of scar tissue around the cut ends.
Patient having endoscopic carpal tunnel release sent home the same day.
Your surgeon will suggest certain post-operative procedures for a better recovery and to avoid complications.
The main things to avoid after endoscopic carpal tunnel release:
The majority of patients do not suffer any complications following carpal tunnel release surgery but as with any surgery, complications can occur and can include continued pain, infections, scarring, and nerve damage causing weakness, paralysis, or loss of sensation and stiffness in the hand and wrist area.
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