Nerve Damage With Carpal Tunnel Surgery

In rare situations, a patient may experience nerve damage with carpal tunnel surgery. The median nerve branches off into many smaller nerves, and the specific locations of these nerves can vary from person to person. Although healthcare professionals are aware of these variations, it is still possible to cut the median nerve or its branches during this surgery.

 

An Overview of Nerve Damage With Carpal Tunnel Surgery

As with most structures within the human body, there are anatomical variations in the locations of nerve branches.
 The median nerve typically runs just underneath the transverse carpel ligament. After it passes through this ligament, it tends to branch off into many smaller nerves. Each of these branches allows for a certain function to occur. One important branch of the median nerve is the motor branch. This nerve branch allows for the movement of the thumb, and its specific location can vary. Another branch of the median nerve provides for feeling of the thumb and palm. It also has many variations in location.
 
Your doctor is well aware of these variations in nerve branch locations, and the techniques used during carpal tunnel surgery maximize the protection of the median nerve and its branches. However, because of these variations, in rare instances, it is possible to cut this nerve or its branches during the surgery. This can result in loss of feeling or strength in the palm, thumb, or fingers.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD