Carpal Tunnel Release is the surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that causes numbness, tingling and other symptoms in the hand, fingers and arm. It is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the carpal tunnel. Symptoms often start gradually and may initially appear in one or both hands and during the night. You may wake up feeling the need to “shake” the hand or wrist. As symptoms worsen, numbness and tingling occur throughout the day and decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist or grasp small objects.
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgical Procedure
Surgical treatment may either be ‘open’ or ‘endoscopic’. That is, in an ‘open’ procedure, the cut is somewhat larger, from the wrist to the palm. If the procedure can be ‘endoscopic’, then there is a smaller incision where a camera may be inserted to guide the surgeon in the procedure.
In both situations, the surgeon will cut the ligament around the carpal tunnel to release pressure off the median nerve. Follow surgery, the ligament comes back together, but with additional space for the median nerve.
Carpal Tunnel Release Recovery
Carpal tunnel release is typically an outpatient procedure. Recovery may take 4-8 weeks to regain strength.
Minnesota Carpal Tunnel Release Surgeons
To schedule an evaluation for your carpal tunnel syndrome, contact the St Paul surgeons at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute at 1.800.353.7720. Our team consists of board-certified spine surgeons, pain management specialists, physician assistants, and more. We have locations throughout the Twin Cities metro area and treat patients throughout Minnesota.