In carpal tunnel syndrome the median nerve is squeezed under a ligament at the wrist, causing numbness and tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often at night. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is the minimally invasive version of carpal tunnel surgery. Through a single small incision at the wrist crease, a small camera lets the surgeon see the ligament from below and divide it, which takes pressure off the nerve.
Warning signs
- Numbness that wakes you up at night
- Dropping objects or trouble with buttons
- Symptoms that continue after 6 to 12 weeks of night splints and activity changes
- Visible thinning of the muscle at the base of the thumb
Treatment
The diagnosis is usually confirmed by exam and nerve testing first. The procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes under local anesthesia with light sedation, and a wide-awake option is available on request. There are no skin stitches to remove. Most patients use the hand lightly the same day, return to desk work in about 2 to 7 days, and return to heavy manual work at about 4 to 6 weeks. Mild soreness at the base of the palm in the first weeks is expected, and in severe cases the nerve recovers over months.
Find this post on: Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn
Questions patients ask
What is endoscopic carpal tunnel release?
In carpal tunnel syndrome the median nerve is squeezed under a ligament at the wrist, causing numbness and tingling in the thumb, index and middle fingers, often at night. Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is the minimally invasive version of carpal tunnel surgery. Through a single small incision at the wrist crease, a small camera lets the surgeon see the ligament from below and divide it, which takes pressure off the nerve.
When is carpal tunnel release usually considered?
Numbness that wakes you up at night. Dropping objects or trouble with buttons. Symptoms that continue after 6 to 12 weeks of night splints and activity changes. Visible thinning of the muscle at the base of the thumb.
What is recovery like after endoscopic carpal tunnel release?
The diagnosis is usually confirmed by exam and nerve testing first. The procedure typically takes 10 to 15 minutes under local anesthesia with light sedation, and a wide-awake option is available on request. There are no skin stitches to remove. Most patients use the hand lightly the same day, return to desk work in about 2 to 7 days, and return to heavy manual work at about 4 to 6 weeks. Mild soreness at the base of the palm in the first weeks is expected, and in severe cases the nerve recovers over months.
Who performs endoscopic carpal tunnel release near Southlake and Dallas-Fort Worth?
Dr. Pedro Loredo, a board-certified hand surgeon (General Surgery, American Board of Surgery; Hand Surgery, American Board of Plastic Surgery) at Loredo Hand Care Institute, 431 E State Hwy 114, Suite 380, Southlake, TX. New patients are seen within days. Call (972) 939-4974. Se habla español.
En español: Cirugía del túnel carpiano por una sola incisión pequeña
En el síndrome del túnel carpiano el nervio mediano queda apretado bajo un ligamento en la muñeca, y causa adormecimiento y hormigueo en el pulgar, el índice y el dedo medio, muchas veces de noche. La liberación endoscópica del túnel carpiano es la versión mínimamente invasiva de esta cirugía. Por una sola incisión pequeña en el pliegue de la muñeca, una cámara pequeña permite ver el ligamento desde abajo y cortarlo, lo que quita la presión sobre el nervio.
Señales de alerta
- Adormecimiento que lo despierta de noche
- Se le caen las cosas o le cuesta abrochar botones
- Síntomas que siguen después de 6 a 12 semanas de férula nocturna y cambios de actividad
- El músculo de la base del pulgar se ve más delgado
Tratamiento
Normalmente el diagnóstico se confirma antes con el examen y estudios de los nervios. El procedimiento suele durar de 10 a 15 minutos con anestesia local y sedación ligera, y también puede hacerse completamente despierto si usted lo pide. No hay puntos en la piel que retirar. La mayoría usa la mano de forma ligera el mismo día, vuelve al trabajo de oficina en unos 2 a 7 días y al trabajo manual pesado en unas 4 a 6 semanas. Es normal sentir algo de dolor en la base de la palma las primeras semanas, y en los casos severos el nervio se recupera a lo largo de meses.
If this sounds like your hand
Call Loredo Hand Care Institute or start your forms online. New patients are seen within days; surgery, when needed, is scheduled at the first available opening. Se habla español.