What Is Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by tight bands in the palm of the hand and wrist that put pressure on the median nerve – a nerve that runs down the arm and forearm. Most people with CTS experience aching pain and/or numbness and sometime weakness in their hands and fingers. Carpal tunnel surgery involves making one or two small incisions over the palm of the hand to gently cut the bands that are putting pressure on the median nerve. Two techniques can be used to perform the surgery: • Endoscopic surgery – using a small camera attached to a monitor which requires two incisions each about one-half inch long. • Open procedure – uses a single incision about two to three inches long. The incisions are made to see and then gently cut the tight bands in the hand that are putting pressure on the M\median nerve. The nerve runs right beneath the bands. By cutting the tight bands the pressure on the nerve is relieved and usually the pain and numbness improve.
