Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel release involves cutting the carpal ligament to reduce pressure on the median nerve. The carpal ligament is one of the tissues that connect the bones in the wrist together and the nerve runs through the wrist to the hand. Carpal tunnel release is a minor procedure that can be performed as day surgery with local anaesthetic. The operation is usually done through a small cut on the palm of the affected hand near the wrist, or by keyhole surgery.

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome is usually done if the patient has had moderate to severe symptoms for six months or longer. Symptoms include pain, numbness and tingling. The pain should go away immediately after surgery, but it may take longer to improve nerve symptoms of numbness and tingling.