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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Part 4: The Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Part 4: The Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Part 4: The Surgery

Carpal tunnel release is typically performed outpatient (meaning you go home the same day) under local anesthesia.

During surgery, a cut is made in your palm. The transverse carpal ligament at the carpal tunnel is divided. This increases the size of the tunnel and decreases pressure on the nerve. Some surgeons make a small skin incision and use a small camera, called an endoscope, to cut the ligament from the inside of the carpal tunnel.

Although both open and endoscopic carpal tunnel releases provide definitive treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, many patients feel that they may return more quickly to daily activities and work duties with the less invasive endoscopic procedure.

Dr. Suzanne Elton performs the Endoscopic carpal tunnel release procedure often. She notes that “patients enjoy the ability to return to daily and leisure activities more quickly with this type of procedure.”

One of Dr. Elton’s patients, Mary, is a cook for a daycare. She knew that she was unable to take off work for even a few days to have a carpal tunnel surgery. She was able to schedule her procedure on a Friday and returned to work the next Monday to cook waffles for the kids.

“It was a great experience and procedure that allowed me to return to my work activities without having to schedule a significant amount of time off. Dr. Elton and her staff were wonderful to work with and I have no regrets from having the procedure performed.”

Not every patient is a candidate for the endoscopic procedure. Your surgeon will determine the best procedure for you.

For a back in action story involving a patient with endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery.

Author: Amy Roberts, MS, ATC/L
Kansas City Bone & Joint Clinic

Source and for more information: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)