by EBSCO Medical Review Board

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Definition

Carpel tunnel release is surgery to cut the ligament covering the carpel tunnel.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
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Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

Reasons for Procedure

This surgery is done to relieve pressure on the median nerve in people with carpal tunnel syndrome. This is when this nerve is squeezed at the wrist as it runs through the carpal tunnel

Surgery may ease symptoms right away. It will take months to fully heal.

Possible Complications

Problems are rare, but no procedure is free from risk. Some things that may happen are:

  • Infection
  • Nerve or tendon damage
  • Stiffness of the fingers

Things that may raise the risk of problems are:

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Leading up to your procedure:

Leading up to your procedure:

  • Talk to your doctor about any medicines and supplements you take. You may be asked to stop taking them up to 1 week before surgery.
  • Arrange for a ride to and from the procedure.
  • Arrange for help at home after the procedure.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

Anesthesia

Local or general anesthesia may be used. Local anesthesia will numb the area. With general anesthesia, you will be asleep.

Description of the Procedure

One of 2 methods may be used:

Open Carpal Tunnel Release

A small cut will be made in the lower palm and wrist area. The carpal ligament will be opened. This will free the median nerve. The incision will be closed with stitches and bandaged.

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release

Two small cuts will be made on the palm side of the wrist. A small tool with a camera will be passed through the opening. This camera will allow the doctor to see inside of the carpal tunnel. Other tools will be passed through the other incision. These tools will be used to release the carpal ligament. All tools will be removed. The incision will be closed with stitches and bandaged.

Endoscopic Release of Carpal Tunnel
IMAGE
Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.
Endoscopic Release of Carpal Tunnel
IMAGE
Copyright © 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved.

How Long Will It Take?

About 15 to 60 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Medicine will be given to manage pain after surgery.

Post-procedure Care

At the Care Center

Your wrist will be raised to control swelling. Ice packs will be used to ease swelling.

At Home

You may have to wear a brace or splint after surgery. It will take up to 4 weeks or longer to fully heal. Ask for help around the house during this time.

Call Your Doctor

Call your doctor if you are not feeling better or you have:

  • Signs of infection, such as fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, more pain, a lot of bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
  • Pain that you cannot control with medicine
  • Fingers that are swollen or cold or have changed in color

If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.

RESOURCES

Family Doctor—American Academy of Family Physicians  http://familydoctor.org 

Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons  http://orthoinfo.aaos.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Orthopaedic Association  http://www.coa-aco.org 

Health Canada  https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html 

References

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Clinical Practice Guideline on the Treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. AAOS 2016 Feb PDF.

Carpal tunnel release. Johns Hopkins Medicine website. Available at: http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test%5Fprocedures/orthopaedic/carpal%5Ftunnel%5Frelease%5F135,29/. Accessed September 23, 2019.

Carpal tunnel syndrome. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:  https://www.dynamed.com/condition/carpal-tunnel-syndrome . Updated June 24, 2019. Accessed September 23, 2019.

Carpal tunnel syndrome fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Carpal-Tunnel-Syndrome-Fact-Sheet. Updated August 13, 2019. Accessed September 23, 2019.

Revision Information