An Overview of Possible Complications of Carpal Tunnel Release
No procedure is ever completely free of risks. However,
carpal tunnel release has been performed for many years with successful results and limited complications.
We will now discuss the possible minor and major complications that can occur. Minor complications are, in most cases, temporary and often easily treated by healthcare professionals.
Minor Complications of Carpal Tunnel Release
- Minor bleeding
- Infection
- Numbness around the incision
- Wrist stiffness
- Persistent swelling
- Nausea and vomiting
- Painful or abnormal scar formation
- Allergic skin reaction to tape, dressing, or latex.
Major Complications of Carpal Tunnel Release
There are a number of major complications that can possibly occur.
However, these complications are very uncommon. Your overall health will play a role in your likelihood of developing complications and your ability to recover from them. For example, patients with severe
heart disease,
diabetes, and lung or kidney disease may have a higher chance of complications than those who are healthier.
Depending on the individual situation, a major complication may lead to a longer hospital stay, a repeat surgery, or, in infrequent cases, permanent disability or even loss of life.
Major complications of carpal tunnel release include, but are not limited to:
- Damage to the median nerve or its branches
- Damage to the ulnar nerve, which is a nerve in your hand that lies near the median nerve.
- Damage to the artery in the palm of your hand
- Numbness in the palm or fingers
- Incomplete release of the carpal ligament
- Serious infection
- Finger stiffness
- Continued pain
- Allergic reaction to medication
- Reaction to anesthesia
- Loss of life
- Other rare and improbable events.
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