Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

If you’re suffering from finger pain, hand pain, wrist pain, or any upper extremity injuries, learn how Dr. AJ Julka and JIS Orthopedics can help you get back to living your life without limits. To schedule a consultation, click the button below!

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What Our Patients Say

“I recently had carpal tunnel release surgery. I’d never had surgery before, not a fan of doctors and needles, so I was nervous to say the least. Any time I contacted their office, the team was responsive and professional, and the procedure was fairly quick and easy. Recovery takes time, but soon after surgery I noticed that the carpal tunnel symptoms in that hand were gone. I’m preparing to return for surgery on the other hand and feel confident that I chose the right doctor for the job.” — Dorian W.

Carpal tunnel release surgery is a reliable and successful way for people suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome to find relief from their painful and debilitating symptoms. It is one of the most common surgical orthopedic treatments. We will now explore what you need to know about carpal tunnel release surgery.

If you would like to know more about carpal tunnel release syndrome, contact JIS Orthopedics. Our surgeons are helping patients with wrist conditions throughout New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome refers to the narrowing of the carpal tunnel, which causes pressure on the median nerve. The carpal tunnel is found in the wrist. It is a narrow passageway made up of small wrist bones called carpal bones. The carpal tunnel is where the median nerve passes through to reach the hands.

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the passageway narrows or when the surrounding tissue swells causing pressure on the median nerve, as well as a reduction in the blood supply. Many factors can contribute to increased pressure or inflammation, including conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or injuries such as a wrist fracture or dislocation of the wrist.

This pressure on the median nerve can result in numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand.

What is Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?

Carpal tunnel release surgery is the surgical procedure performed to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. It is also referred to as carpal tunnel release or carpal tunnel decompression.

Surgeons usually use one of two procedures to perform carpal tunnel release. They may use open surgery or minimally invasive techniques. The minimally invasive technique uses small cameras called endoscopic surgery.

Whatever the technique they use, the surgeon will aim to relieve pressure on your median nerve. They do this by cutting the ligament that makes up the roof of the carpal tunnel.

Why May the Procedure Be Needed?

Your doctor may recommend carpal tunnel surgery if nonsurgical treatments do not relieve your symptoms or they only provide temporary relief.

Your surgeon will take into consideration the following:

The extent of your symptoms
Physical condition of the carpal tunnel
Your response to non-operative treatment

The Risks of Release Surgery

Carpal tunnel release surgery has normal risks associated with many surgical procedures. Some of the risks are listed below:

Allergic reactions to medicines
Bleeding
Infection
Injury to the median nerve or nerves that branch out from it
Injuries to a nearby nerve or blood vessel
A sensitive scar

How to Prepare for the Procedure

You will need to listen to all your surgeon’s instructions before the surgery. Some of them may include the following:

Let your doctor know about any medicines that you are taking. You will likely need to stop taking blood-thinning drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
Stop smoking tobacco, as it can slow down your recovery.
Depending on your medical history, you may need a blood test or electrocardiogram.
There is usually a period you should not eat before surgery. It’s usually between 6-12 hours before.

Your doctor may request other specific preparations depending on your medical condition.

Carpal Tunnel Release Surgical Procedure

There are two different procedure types to perform carpal tunnel release. They include open surgery and endoscopic surgery. The following outlines these two procedures:

Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Your surgeon will make a small incision in the palm of your hand. Through this incision, the surgeon will be able to see and operate on the inside of your hand and wrist. The surgeon will divide the transverse carpal ligament (the roof of the carpal tunnel). This will increase the size of the tunnel, which in turn decreases pressure on the median nerve.

The ligament may gradually grow back together during recovery. However, the carpal tunnel will have more space, and there will be less pressure on the median nerve.

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

During an endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery, your surgeon will use one small incision to access the inside of your hand or wrist. They will be able to see and access the carpal tunnel using a tiny camera. A tiny knife will be used to divide the transverse carpal ligament. This is similar to the open carpal tunnel release procedure.

Recovery from Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery

Following the surgery, it’s important to follow the postoperative care instructions. You’ll receive guidance to elevate your hand above the level of your heart and perform finger movements. This practice is crucial for reducing swelling and preventing stiffness.

With an endoscopic release, only glue is applied to the incision with no bandage. With an open release, a small bandage that can be removed 24 hours following the surgery is applied. Your healthcare provider will schedule a follow-up appointment to remove the bandage or splint, during which you’ll be encouraged to perform finger exercises to maintain flexibility and ward off stiffness.

Post-procedure, it’s normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and stiffness. Minor soreness in your palm may persist for several weeks to a few months. The good news is that for most patients, nighttime symptoms show significant improvement within the first week or so following surgery.

Book an Appointment Today

Are you tired of living with the discomfort of carpal tunnel syndrome? JIS Orthopedics is providing carpal tunnel release surgery in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Don’t let carpal tunnel syndrome hold you back any longer—schedule your consultation today!

Medically reviewed by AJ Julka, MD

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