Carpal tunnel release is a reconstructive surgical procedure that corrects carpal tunnel syndrome. If you are suffering from carpal tunnel, this procedure may be recommended to ease the symptoms.
Symptoms of carpal tunnel include the following:
- Numbness in hand
- Swollen fingers
- Tingling, burning or aching in hand which radiates up the arm
Carpal tunnel syndrome usually affects people who perform repetitive movements of the wrist. Those who work at computers, play games or instruments, and perform assembly line work are especially prone to this hand disorder. It's also more likely to affect women, obese persons and persons of advancing age.
Carpal Tunnel Release with Dr. Morse
If Dr. Morse recommends this reconstructive procedure, he will explain the procedure in depth during your consultation and answer any questions you have. Surgery risks, costs and other important details will be discussed, so you have an adequate understanding of the procedure before you choose to proceed.
Carpal tunnel release can be performed under general, regional or local anesthesia. There are two basic surgical approaches that surgeons utilize: the open technique and the endoscopic technique. The open technique requires an incision in the palm to expose the underlying hand structures.
With the endoscopic method, a smaller incision is made, where an endoscope is inserted to provide a visual examination of the hand structures. In both techniques, Dr. Morse cuts the transverse carpal ligament to relieve compression on the median nerve. The surgery usually requires no more than 1 hour.
What to Expect After Carpal Tunnel Release
Although you should be able to return home within a few hours, you will need someone to drive you home and assist you for a few days. A post-operative splint will be provided, which keeps the wrist in a neutral position.
Dr. Morse may recommend specific exercises to help strengthen your hand, fingers and wrist. Contact the doctor if you experience unusual symptoms such as fever, pale or bluish color in the treated hand, cold sensation in treated hand, swelling, numbness, or inability/difficulty moving fingers.
Contact the office of reconstructive surgeon Martin Morse for more information on carpal tunnel release surgery.
