ORTHOPEDICS/HAND & WRIST/CARPAL TUNNEL DISORDER
When one of the major nerves in the wrist becomes strained a Carpal Tunnel Syndrome CTS), which is a disorder can develop.
This nerve, (called the median nerve), provides feeling and allow muscle functioning to the hand and fingers.
Fingers coldness and burning are most frequent carpal tunnel syndrome indications
Fingers pain and muscles of the hand weakness will follow.
When carpal tunnel syndrome disorder persists or does not respond to appropriate noninvasive therapy, a surgery is recommended to remove the pressure on the median nerve.
Surgery objective
A carpal tunnel surgery goal is very clear: removing pressure on the median nerve.
In most of all the cases, this surgery is accomplished by cutting (or “releasing”) the transverse carpal ligament in the hand palm.
In some seldom cases, when something unusual is causing pressure on the nerves, (such as a growth in the carpal tunnel) surgery will perform simply the ligament cut.
Surgical Alternatives
When surgery is considered, two main alternatives may be involve:
The first alternative is the traditional open surgery.
In this technique, a skin incision is made in the hand palm and the smooth-tissues between the skin and the transverse carpal ligament are separated, and the ligament is straight visualized.
The second surgical alternative is called an endoscopic carpal tunnel release.
This surgery is also performed by opening an incision, much smaller than that over the wrist instead of the palm.
A small camera is inserted just under the transverse carpal ligament, and the ligament is seen through the camera from its underside.
Surgery consist of small cutting blade seen from the camera, and the ligament is cut.
Which Alternative Is Better?
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery seems to be more appreciated because of the following benefits:
People get back to work faster with endoscopic carpal tunnel release comparing to the traditional surgery.
Grip strength is slightly better directly after surgery.
However, inconvenient issues arise with endoscopic: One of the most concerning is a higher chance of nerve injury is related to this technique in addition to the high coast of the endoscopic equipment.
A Final Word
A arpal tunnel release surgery is one of the most frequent surgical techniques performed actually.
Many carpal tunnel release surgeries are performed every day, and most patients reach excellent successful results.
Looking after a surgeon who repeatedly performs this technique and has important experience will help to ensure that the surgical intervention risks of are almost very rare.