Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Options
Carpal tunnel is a condition that can be very painful to those who experience it. It causes numbness, pain and tingling. Carpal tunnel can make everyday activities harder. Even things as simple as turning a door knob can be difficult.
Carpal tunnel is the narrow passage in the wrist that protects the main nerve of the hand and the tendons that move and flex the first three fingers. The actual tunnel is made up of bone, tendons, tissue and nerves that run up the arm travel into the hand, palm, fingers, and wrist to allow for free movement. If the tunnel swells, this pressure and inflammation will affect the inner nerves causing severe pain, and tingling or numbing sensations known as carpal tunnel syndrome.
Open Carpal Tunnel Release
Open carpal tunnel release is a carpal tunnel surgery that is a relatively short procedure, but still requires a few weeks of recovery, typically. Some people do not have the time off or ability to be out of commission for that long. For those people there is an alternative to the traditional carpal tunnel release.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release involves microscopic tools. A thin tube with a camera connected. This tube is put into a small incision made in the wrist and then is guided into the palm. Once in the correct area, a small cutting tool raises up to cut the transverse ligament. This releases the pressure on the nerves and thus relieves the pain and tingling caused by the carpal tunnel.
Due to the smaller incision, the recovery time is faster, there is less pain and blood loss, and less scarring than traditional carpal tunnel release. This procedure is a very short one as well that usually takes less than 5 minutes. Visit Dr. Hsu if you want relief from your carpal tunnel pain.
