Carpal tunnel repair

Definition:

Carpal tunnel repair is a surgical procedure to treat pain, numbness, and tingling of the fingers (carpal tunnel syndrome).

Description:

The tendons and nerve to the hand (median nerve) passes between strong ligaments (carpal ligaments) in the wrist and the wrist bones (carpal tunnel). When the nerves or tendons inside the carpal tunnel swell or become inflamed (carpal tunnel syndrome), pressure on the nerve causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the fingers and wrist.

Carpal tunnel repair is done while the patient is awake or sleepy and pain-free (local or regional anesthesia) or deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia). Through an incision on the inside of the wrist, the carpal ligament is cut open to relieve the pressure on the nerve. The incision is stitched (sutured) closed.

Indications:

Most physicians recommend trying non-surgical treatments (such as: splinting the wrist, using anti-inflammation medications) before recommending surgery.