Carpal tunnel syndrome is a repetitive stress injury of the wrist that causes pain, numbness, weakness and tingling as a result of the compression of the median nerve by inflammation in the carpal tunnel. Severing the carpal ligament in traditional or mini-open release surgery relieves these symptoms but requires extensive recovery time and physical rehabilitation.
Open Release Surgery
Open release surgery requires a 2 inch incision in the hand and wrist. Through this incision, the surgeon is able to view the carpal ligament completely, and sever it to open the carpal tunnel. Traditional open release surgery results in a larger scar and a longer recovery time than the mini open approach.
Mini -Open Procedure
Mini-open release carpal tunnel surgery is accomplished with a more precisely targeted incision of only 1 inch. This incision provides enough of a view of the carpal ligament for the surgeon to sever it. Mini-open release surgery offers the benefits of open release surgery with a minimal scar and lower risk of complication than endoscopic surgery.
Recovery Time
Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms disappear immediately for some individuals, while gradually lessening during the recovery process for others. Depending on the individual situation, recovery time may be a month or longer. During this time, it is necessary for the patient to avoid strenuous activity in order to avoid prolonging the recovery phase.
Rehabilitation
During recovery from open release carpal tunnel surgery, patients must undergo consistent physical therapy. Wrist and hand exercises help to improve dexterity in the hand and prevent loss of wrist strength after carpal tunnel surgery. Stretching also prevents stiffness in the hand as a result of scarring.
Considerations
Patients are often unable to resume previous employment and must avoid the activities that caused the irritation after having surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome. Surgery carries a risk of complications including infection, nerve damage and a chance that the carpal ligament will grow back together, necessitating a repeat of the surgical procedure.
Tags: carpal ligament, carpal tunnel, carpal tunnel surgery, recovery time, release surgery, tunnel surgery