Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in the hand and wrist caused by excessive pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Compression of the nerve typically causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger. Pain in the hand and wrist may also occur. Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that reduces the pressure on the median nerve to alleviate symptoms.

The “carpal tunnel” refers to the tunnel formed by the transverse carpal ligament and the carpal bones of the wrist. The median nerve runs through this tunnel. If the nerve becomes compressed by the tunnel, numbness and tingling can occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger. In addition, pain in the wrist and forearm and weakness of the thumb may occur.

Carpal tunnel release may be performed as an open procedure, in which the carpal ligament is exposed, or as an endoscopic procedure, in which a tiny camera on the end of a scope lets your surgeon see inside your wrist. Both types of procedure may be done under local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on the decisions made by you and your surgeon. A tourniquet is also placed on the arm in both forms of this procedure to temporarily stop blood flow to the hand while your surgeon works.