Carpal Tunnel Release
This webpage will give you information about carpal tunnel
release. If you have any question, you should ask your GP or other
relevant health professional.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition where there is increased
pressure on the nerve that crosses the front of the wrist (the
median nerve). The median nerve runs through a tight tunnel,
together with the tendons that bend the 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?
Where 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 in only a few minutes. 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.
Figure 1 - Median nerve running under the flexor
retinaculum.
What complications can happen?
1 General complications of any operation
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Infection in the surgical wound
- Scarring
2 Specific complications of this operation
- Numbness in the fingers or palm
- Tenderness of the scar
- Aching in the wrist
- Continued mild numbness
- 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 exercise your fingers, elbow and shoulder gently to
prevent stiffness. 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 is a troublesome condition which usually
gets better after a carpal tunnel release operation.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Stephen Milner DM FRCS (Tr. & Orth.)
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.
Copyright © 2008 EIDO Healthcare Limited
The operation and treatment information on
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The information should not replace advice that
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