Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where there is increased pressure on the nerve that crosses the front of your wrist (the median nerve). The median nerve runs through a tight tunnel, together with the tendons that bend your fingers.
What are the benefits of surgery?
The main benefit of surgery is to relieve pain and numbness in the hand.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
If your symptoms are mild, a wrist support worn at night often helps.
A steroid injection near the carpal tunnel can reduce the numbness or pain in most people, but the symptoms usually come back.
What does the operation involve?
A carpal tunnel release can usually be performed under local anaesthetic and usually takes about a quarter of an hour.
Your surgeon will make a small cut in the palm of your hand. They will then cut the tight ligament (called the flexor retinaculum) that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel (see figure 1). This stops the nerve being compressed.
What complications can happen?
1. General complications of any operation
Pain
Bleeding
Infection in the surgical wound
Scarring
2. Specific complications of this operation
Continued numbness in your thumb, index and middle fingers
Tenderness of the scar
Aching in the wrist
Return of numbness and pain
Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of the hand (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)
How soon will I recover?
You should be able to go home the same day.
You should keep your hand lifted up and bandaged for the first couple of days. It is important to gently exercise your fingers, elbow and shoulder to prevent stiffness.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Your symptoms may continue to improve for up to six months, or even longer if the carpal tunnel syndrome was related to work.
Summary
Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness in your thumb, index and middle fingers. A carpal tunnel release should improve your symptoms and prevent permanent nerve damage.
Author: Mr Stephen Milner DM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.) and Dr Iain Moppett DM MRCP FRCA
Illustrations: Hannah Ravenscroft RM
This document is intended for information purposes only and should not replace advice that your relevant health professional would give you.
Paying for your operation
Carpal tunnel release costs are covered by most medical insurance policies, but please check with your insurer first. If you are paying for your own treatment the cost of the operation will be explained and confirmed in writing when you book the operation. Ask the hospital for a quote beforehand, and ensure that this includes the surgeon’s fee, the anaesthetist’s fee and the hospital charge for your procedure.
