Carpal tunnel decompression (under local or regional anesthesia)
Carpal Tunnel Decompression Procedure
We find the carpal tunnel under the palm. Through this tunnel run the tendons (ropes or pulley-like structures) that make the hand and fingers tighten. A nerve is like an electric wire that goes from the brain to the hand. It is a nerve that gives hands a sensation.
In carpal tunnel syndrome, the pressure in the tunnel increases and compresses the anterior structures, which means you may feel pain, loss of sensation in some of your fingers, and also the ability to grasp like you used to.
The idea of "decompression" is to relieve the pressure on these structures so that they can begin to function normally again.
After the intervention or operation of Carpal Tunnel
A cast may be added to improve recovery. There will be a scar that will be especially tender for the first few months.
The success rate of carpal tunnel decompression varies, but is usually more than 85%.
Carpal Tunnel Decompression Risks
As with all procedures, this carries some risks and complications.
Common Risk
- Persistent pain, tingling, or numbness: may continue in the hand despite the operation.
Less common risk
- Persistent weakness of the fingers: despite the operation there may be some weakness in the fingers of the hand.
Rare Risk
- Scar may thicken, redden, and hurt (keloid scar).
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRP syndrome): This is a pain that continues much later than expected and is much greater than you would expect after a small scar.
- Damage to the tendons: Damage to the tendons can cause the loss of flexion of those fingers / parts of the hand.
