Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Surgical Procedure
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes weakness and pain in your wrist and hands. The disorder develops as a result of problems associated with the median nerve in your wrist. In most instances, carpal tunnel syndrome is treated with various nonsurgical solutions, such as splints and physical therapy. If the nonsurgical options are ineffective, your hand specialist may suggest minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery.
What Is Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery?
During endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, your Atlanta hand surgeon will use a tiny, flexible tube with a high-resolution camera attached to it. The camera is called an endoscope. After making a small incision at the wrist and palm or in the wrist, the endoscope is inserted and guided in the opening. The endoscope allows your hand surgeon to examine all of the structures in your wrist without opening your entire wrist with a larger incision.
When performing endoscopic carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, there are two different methods your hand surgeon can use:
- The single-portal technique that requires a small incision in the wrist
- The two-portal technique requires the surgeon to make a small incision at the palm and wrist.
Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is an outpatient procedure, which means you will return home the same day.
Why Is Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery Done?
If you are still having carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms after several months of nonsurgical treatment, your hand specialist may consider a minimally invasive surgical procedure. Patients with ongoing cases of carpal tunnel syndrome or those with more severe symptoms may also be candidates for endoscopic CTS surgery.
Anytime the patient has damage to the median nerve or they are at risk of damage, endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery would be preferred. Median nerve damage could be indicated by loss of finger and hand function or through test results.
What to Expect Following Surgery
With endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, the recovery period is significantly faster than the standard carpal tunnel open surgery. Immediately after the procedure, most patients report that their numbness and pain has been alleviated. Other patients report relief a few months following the procedure. Patients should avoid any type of heavy use of their hands for the first few weeks after the surgery.
Contact Atlanta Hand Specialist for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery
If you are considering undergoing endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery, it’s vital to choose a hand surgeon with extensive experience performing this procedure. At Atlanta Hand Specialist, our surgeons offer decades of experience and are highly specialized in all matters of the hand, wrist, elbow, and fingers.
We treat everything from carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and arthritis, to more complex disorders, such as nerve injuries and fractures. We offer comprehensive solutions and treatment plans for a variety of conditions.
Contact an Atlanta Hand Specialist office today to schedule an appointment.
