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There Are Two Kinds Of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery |
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The surgery carried out for carpal tunnel syndrome is
called “release”, a very effective and easily available treatment. There
are two kinds of surgeries that are carried out- carpal tunnel open
release surgery and the other is called carpal tunnel endoscopic release
surgery. Let's have a look at the two kinds, to understand the basic
purpose of both of them.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery- Open
Release:
During this kind of carpal tunnel syndrome
surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut. This is to release
pressure on the median nerve and relieves the symptoms of carpal tunnel
syndrome.
An incision is made at the base of the palm of the
hand. This allows the doctor to see the transverse carpal ligament.
After the ligament is cut, the skin is closed with stitches. The gap
where the ligament was cut is left alone and eventually fills up with
scar tissue.
Open carpal tunnel release surgery is usually done
under local anesthetic as an outpatient same-day surgery.
Stitches
are removed 10 to 14 days after the surgery. It may be recommended to
wear a splint for several weeks. The pain and numbness may go away right
after surgery or may take several months to subside. Also, avoid heavy
use of treated hand for at least three months.
Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome Surgery- Endoscopic Release:
This kind of carpal tunnel
syndrome surgery uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached
(endoscope). The endoscope is guided through a small incision in the
wrist or at the wrist and palm. The endoscope lets the doctor see
structures in the wrist, such as the transverse carpal ligament, without
opening the entire area with a large incision.
The cutting tools
used in endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery are very tiny and are
inserted through the small incisions in the wrist or palm.
Endoscopic
carpal tunnel release surgery is usually done as a same-day surgery on
an outpatient basis.
You can expect a shorter recovery period
after an endoscopic surgery than after open surgery. This is because the
procedure does not require cutting the palm open and disturbing a large
area of the hand. The pain and numbness may go away right after surgery,
or it may take several months.
How soon can you return to work
depends on whether your dominant hand was involved, your work
activities, and the effort that you put into rehabilitative physical
therapy.
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