Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Surgery Provides Maximum Results

Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by pressure on the median nerve, which provides motor function and sensation to parts of the hand. 

When there is excess pressure on the median nerve, it can cause pain, numbness and tingling in the thumb and all of the fingers, except the little finger. 

Many people will feel the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome first at night. As their symptoms get worse, they may also feel symptoms during the day when doing activities where their wrist is bent. 

If left untreated, carpal tunnel symptoms may advance to include weakening of the grip. 

When treatments such as wearing a brace, modifying activities and occupational therapy do not provide relief, surgery is considered. 

One advanced surgical option offered at the Wilcox Bone & Joint Center is called endoscopic carpal tunnel release. 

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a type of minimally invasive surgery in which a tiny instrument with a camera attached is inserted into a small incision at the wrist. This camera lets the surgeon see the inside of the wrist and release the transverse carpal ligament without creating a large cut. 

The transverse carpal ligament is a band that stretches across the wrist on top of the tendons and nerves. Releasing this ligament takes pressure off the median nerve to relieve the pain and numbness in the patient’s fingers. 

Patients who have this procedure are able to go home the same day. 

The pain and numbness experienced from carpal tunnel syndrome may go away right after surgery, or it may take as long as several months to improve – it depends on the severity of the patient’s carpal tunnel syndrome before surgery. 

The initial recovery time is shorter than with open surgery. 

Your surgeon will advise when to resume certain activities.

Published on: September 8, 2017