Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome
Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome depends on its severity. Sometimes wearing a splint at night can be sufficient to relieve symptoms. In other cases, surgery is needed to provide more space for the nerve in the carpal tunnel. This is done by releasing the fibrous band of the tunnel with an open or endoscopic operation.
A consultation with a hand / wrist surgeon can provide you with the information needed to make a decision which procedure is preferred in your case.
Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome
Open carpal tunnel release
During the open operation a 3-4 cm incision is made at the junction between the palm of the hand and the wrist. The fibrous band covering the carpal tunnel is released. During this procedure, the nerve can be inspected and if needed, released from its surrounding tendons (neurolysis). Also, bulky tissue around the tendons in the carpal tunnel can be excised (tenosynovectomy).
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release
In an endoscopic carpal tunnel release, 1 or 2 small (< 1 cm) incisions are used to introduce a fibre-optic camera in the carpal tunnel. Looking at the fibrous band trough the camera, it can be released. The main advantage is the smaller incision(s). Disadvantages are the inability to inspect or release the nerve or to clean bulky connective tissue from the carpal tunnel.