Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open carpal tunnel release surgery. It is performed using an endoscope, a small camera that is inserted into the wrist through a small incision. This allows the surgeon to see the inside of the carpal tunnel and release the pressure on the median nerve without having to make a large incision.

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What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed. This compression can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects millions of people every year.

Diagnosis of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

There are a few different ways to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome, including:

– Examining the symptoms and medical history

– Checking the strength and feeling in the hand and wrist

– Performing a nerve conduction study

The most common symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome are tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand and wrist. These symptoms can vary from mild to severe and can interfere with everyday activities. Severe symptoms can lead to permanent disability. Often patients complain of pain at night and find themselves waking up from the discomfort. Many patients find themselves dropping things.

A nerve conduction study is a test that measures the electrical activity of the nerves. This test can help to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome and determine how severe the compression is.

Treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

There are several treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome, including wrist splints, steroid injections, PRP injections, and surgery. Surgery is usually recommended when other treatments have failed to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Wrist Splints:

Wrist splints are worn at night to keep the wrist in a straight position and stop it from bending. This can help carpal tunnel syndrome because it stops the wrist from bending which makes the pressure on the median nerve worse. While wrist splints can be effective in relieving the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, they are not always successful. Some people find that they need to wear the splints for long periods of time, and others find that the splints do not help at all.

Steroid Injections:

Steroid injections are used to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. However, they are not recommended for long-term use. They can be used as a short-term treatment to help relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, but should not be used on a regular basis.

PRP Injections for Carpal Tunnel:

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are used to promote healing and reduce inflammation. This is done by injecting PRP into the carpal tunnel, beneath the carpal tunnel ligament.

Surgery:

Carpal tunnel release surgery is performed to release the pressure on the median nerve. This is done by releasing the transverse carpal ligament. There are two types of carpal tunnel release surgery, open release surgery, and endoscopic surgery. Open release surgery is the traditional method of carpal tunnel surgery and involves making a large incision in the wrist. The entire transverse carpal ligament is exposed in order to perform this surgery. Endoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery and is performed using a small camera called an endoscope.

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery:

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open carpal tunnel release surgery. It is performed using an endoscope, a small camera that is inserted into the wrist through a small incision. This allows the surgeon to see the inside of the carpal tunnel and release the transverse carpal ligament, thereby relieving the pressure on the median nerve without having to make a large incision.

Recovery from Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery:

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is associated with a faster recovery than traditional open surgery. Most people are able to return to work and normal activities within a few days to a few weeks. There is also less risk of scarring with endoscopy. Some patients may require physical therapy. The severity of the carpal tunnel syndrome will determine the length of the recovery from numbness and tingling.

What are the Benefits of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery?

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery has many benefits over traditional open surgery. These benefits include:

– Shorter Recovery Time: Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is a minimally invasive procedure that results in a shorter recovery time than traditional open surgery. Most people are able to return to work and other normal activities within two weeks.

– Less Pain: Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is associated with less pain than traditional open surgery. This is because the incisions are much smaller and there is less tissue damage.

– Reduced Scarring: Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery results in smaller scars that are less noticeable than the scars from traditional open surgery.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery has several advantages over traditional open surgery, including a shorter recovery time, less pain, and fewer complications. The surgery can be performed on an outpatient basis, and patients can usually return to normal activities within a few days.

If you are suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome and would like to explore endoscopic surgery as a treatment option, please contact Dr. Morton to schedule a consultation. Our experienced surgeon will be able to assess your individual situation and determine if endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is the best treatment option for you.