How Does Carpal Tunnel Surgery Work?

The area of the wrist known as the carpal tunnel is the path made of bones and ligaments that the median nerve passes through. Some have very narrow carpal tunnels and when the ligaments are overworked, they swell up and become inflamed. This causes pain and numbness in the hands and fingers. This condition may require surgery to correct.

Types of Surgery

Two different types of surgery are available for carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgery that will be performed depends upon the severity of the condition. With mild cases, surgery may be done endoscopically. If this cannot be done, an incision must be made. In both types of surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut to relieve the pressure on the median nerve. The ligament ends are no longer connected and scar tissue normally grows back to fill in the area.

Post Op

Ninety-five percent of carpal tunnel surgeries are successful. This surgery is done as an outpatient surgery and patients may return home shortly after its completion. There is a small risk of nerve damage from this surgery, but this occurs only in extremely rare cases.

Recovery

During recovery, the hand must remain bandaged. A splint must be worn to keep the wrist immobile for several weeks. Stitches are normally removed after two weeks. If surgery is not performed on a person's dominant hand, normal activity may begin in 10 to 14 days. However, if surgery is done on the dominant hand, it will take at least 12 weeks for the patient to begin normal use again.