by EBSCO Medical Review Board

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Surgery may help people who have very bad symptoms. This may be done if other treatments have not worked.

Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel release is surgery that cuts through the ligament that is pressing down on the carpal tunnel. This makes more room for the median nerve and tendons to pass through it. It also eases symptoms.

Endoscopic Release of Carpal Tunnel
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This surgery can be done in 2 ways:

  • Open—cuts are made in the skin so the ligament can be seen. The ligament is then cut with scissors.
  • Endoscopic—smaller cuts and tools are used to cut across the ligament.

References

Carpal tunnel syndrome. American Society for Surgery of the Hand website. Available at: https://handcare.assh.org/Anatomy/Details-Page/ArticleID/27950/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome. Accessed May 3, 2022.

Carpal tunnel syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/carpal-tunnel-syndrome. Accessed May 3, 2022.

Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/patient-caregiver-education/fact-sheets/carpal-tunnel-syndrome-fact-sheet. Accessed May 3, 2022.

Clinical Practice Guideline on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.aaos.org/quality/quality-programs/upper-extremity-programs/carpal-tunnel-syndrome. Accessed May 3, 2022.

Revision Information

  • Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board James P. Cornell, MD
  • Review Date: 03/2022
  • Update Date: 05/04/2022