Information for carpal tunnel release

What is carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition where a nerve called median nerve is pinched at the wrist, resulting in numbness, pain and weakness of the hand.

The operation

The open incision procedure or carpal tunnel release, involves the doctor opening your wrist and cutting the ligament at the bottom of the wrist to relieve pressure. The procedure is performed under local anesthetics and typically takes about 30-45 minutes. Usually patients can leave the hospital in 4 to 6 hours.

After surgery

After surgery, a bulky dressing will be applied on the small incision. You should leave this secured in place for 3 days following surgery. You can wet the stitches afterward. You can use your hand for light activities but avoid repetitive forceful activities. Your stitches can be removed about 10-14 days after surgery. At that point you should have full motion. You will have a follow-up visit with your surgeon in 6 to 8 weeks. Typically patients return to full activities as tolerated in 6 weeks.

Recurrence of the symptoms after surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is rare, occurring in less than 5 percent of patients. A majority of patients recover completely. To avoid injuring yourself again, it may help to change the way you perform repetitive movements, the frequency with which you perform the movements, and the amount of time you rest between periods when you must perform these movements.