Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is pressure on a nerve in your wrist, which causes tingling, numbness and pain in your hand and fingers. In this article, we discuss how CTS can be treated with surgery and what this involves.
Explore our Orthopaedics services
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition where there is increased pressure on a nerve (median nerve) that crosses the wrist. The nerve crosses through a narrow tunnel along with the tendons for your fingers. If the tunnel becomes too tight, it can compress the nerve.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can include:
- An ache or pain in your fingers, hand or arm
- Numb hands
- Tingling or pins and needles
- A weak thumb or difficulty gripping
If you would like to speak to an Orthopaedics specialist about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, book a consultation.
Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, also known as carpal decompression or release surgery, is a procedure which should relieve the pain and numbness that you experience in your hand.
The operation will be done under local anaesthetic, and normally takes 20-30 minutes. The doctor will make a small cut on the palm of your hand and then cut the tight ligament that forms the top of the carpal tunnel, which will release any compression on the nerve. The cut on the palm will then be closed with stitches.
Following the surgery, you will experience some pain as the anaesthetic wears off, and you will also have a small scar on your wrist.
Preparing for a Carpal Tunnel Decompression
In terms of lifestyle when preparing for a Carpal Tunnel Decompression, it is recommended to try to maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly, to minimise complications. You should also avoid smoking, as this can delay healing and make complications more likely.
You should inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking, including blood thinners.
It is also advised to have a bath or shower on the morning of the day of the operation to ensure that the area is clean.
Complications following Carpal Tunnel Decompression Surgery
Complications from carpal tunnel decompression surgeries are rare, and the doctor will do everything that they can to minimise these. Some complications that can follow include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Allergic reaction to equipment/medication
- Damage to the median nerve – leading to numbness in thumb, index and middle fingers
- Tenderness over scar
- Return of symptoms due to scar tissue formation
- Complex regional pain syndrome leading to severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of hand
Recovering from Carpal Tunnel Decompression Surgery
You will go home the same day of the surgery, but if you have any concerns, please contact the surgery.
You should not drive, operate machinery or do any dangerous activities for at least 24 hours – so please ask someone to collect you from the practice. You should keep the hand raised and bandaged for two days.
If you work, your doctor will give you more information regarding returning to work, depending on what you do for a living.
If you require more information or wish to discuss your options further, please contact your doctor.
Alternatives to Carpal Tunnel Decompression Surgery
In mild compression, wrist supports worn at night can help with symptoms. If symptoms persist, steroid injections can also help, but the symptoms will often return after a period of time.
If these alternatives fail, then surgery is usually the only option.
What if my Carpal Tunnel Syndrome goes untreated?
Symptoms can improve if the underlying cause is treated. However, without treatment, symptoms will usually persist or get worse.
If there is severe untreated compression, that can eventually lead to permanent nerve damage. This will lead to some muscles of the hand wasting away and permanent numbness in the hand.
If you are considering treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, consult with one of our orthopaedics specialists to understand the options available to you.
