Carpal tunnel syndrome is a very common hand and wrist condition that is characterized by a compressed median nerve, which runs from the arm to the hand through a tunnel in the wrist (carpus). Surgery is a very effective treatment for advanced carpal tunnel syndrome that is not responding to conservative treatment methods.
Between 400,000 and 500,000 carpal tunnel release surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year, and an orthopedic surgeon is the type of specialist who performs this surgery. Let’s talk about what’s involved in the two main types of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, and where you can go here in Sarasota and Manatee counties for an evaluation and medical treatment of your wrist pain.
Types of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery
There are two main types of carpal tunnel surgery: open release and endoscopic release. The goal is the same, which is to relieve compression on the nerve by cutting through the ligament that is causing the compression.
The endoscopic release is less invasive than open release. Both procedures require local anesthesia and are outpatient surgeries, meaning the patient returns home on the same day as the surgery.
Open Release vs. Endoscopic Release Carpal Tunnel Surgeries
During open release surgery, the doctor makes a two-inch incision from your wrist to your palm. In endoscopic release surgery, the doctor makes a half-inch incision in your wrist and another in your palm.
Both types of surgery involve cutting the transverse carpal ligament to take pressure off of the median nerve, removing the compression. The ligament will eventually heal, and the gap left behind will eventually fill up with scar tissue.
The result is more room in the carpal tunnel for the median nerve. After the operation, the hand and wrist area will be in a cast or brace for a few weeks.
For most people who have carpal tunnel release surgery, symptoms do not return once the area is fully healed. Healing will take a few months, so be patient during the recuperation period.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery in Sarasota, FL
Our orthopedic surgeons here at Intercoastal Medical Group are experts at treating patients who are suffering from the pain and weakness of carpal tunnel syndrome. If you have wrist pain or unusual sensations in your hand, have an evaluation by one of our experienced orthopedists so you can find out what your best options are.
We perform carpal tunnel release surgery at our Ambulatory Surgery Center in Sarasota at our Cattleridge Medical Building, 3333 Cattlemen Road, Sarasota, FL. We have performed numerous carpal tunnel release surgeries using the open release and endoscopic release techniques, and we will explain what might work best in your case.
If you have any questions or would like to make an appointment with one of our world-class orthopedic surgeons, contact our friendly staff today by calling our location nearest you: either the Beneva Professional Center at (941) 955-6748 or our Lakewood Ranch I office at (941) 362-8662. If you prefer, you can also fill out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you find relief from your wrist pain!
