In a person with
carpal tunnel syndrome, the median nerve -- which passes from the forearm into the hand, and is responsible for controlling some of your hand muscles and allowing you to feel sensations with your hand -- becomes damaged and unable to function normally. This causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the fingers and thumb, which are often most noticeable at night.
Carpal tunnel surgery, also called
carpal tunnel release, is a procedure used to improve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The procedure involves cutting the tissue around the wrist to help relieve pressure on the median nerve. After undergoing this surgery, most people have successful results that include substantial pain relief and prevention of further damage to the hand or wrist.
While several nonsurgical methods may help relieve symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome, a carpal tunnel release is the most effective solution. Possible complications can range from minor bleeding to loss of life. Minor complications (such as numbness around the incision and abnormal scar formation) are usually temporary and easily treated. More serious
complications of carpal tunnel release surgery (such as serious infection or incomplete release) can result in a longer hospital stay or a repeat surgery.
(Click Carpal Tunnel Surgery for the full eMedTV article on this topic. This article provides information about the different types of release surgery, some possible risks with the procedure, and people who are most at risk for carpal tunnel syndrome. You can also click any of the links in the box to the right for specific information.)
