How Is Carpal Tunnel Surgery Done?
Compression of the median nerve in the wrist causes carpal tunnel syndrome. This nerve runs down the arm to the hand. On its way to the hand it passes through the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a small passageway that is formed by the bones of the wrist on the sides and bottom and a fibrous ligament called the transverse carpal ligament across the top. The median nerve shares this space with the tendons that move the fingers. Irritation of the tendons compresses the median nerve in that small space. This causes the numbness and tingling associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.
When carpal tunnel surgery is performed, a doctor cuts into the wrist area and makes an incision in the transverse carpal ligament, completely cutting the ligament. This, in a sense, removes the roof from the carpal tunnel, giving the tendons and median nerve more space to move freely. Releasing the pressure on your median nerve gets rid of your symptoms.
After the ligament is cut, the surgeon stitches your hand back up again. The recovery time for this surgery is about six weeks. You'll have to wear a splint on your wrist and take it easy. You don't want to jump back into full activity right away.
Tags: carpal tunnel, median nerve, carpal ligament, carpal tunnel syndrome, Surgery Done, transverse carpal, transverse carpal ligament