Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Release
Carpal tunnel release is a small operation to relieve pressure on the nerve at the wrist, easing the numbness, tingling and pain of carpal tunnel syndrome.
Quick answer
Carpal Tunnel Release: what it is, why it's done and what happens
Carpal tunnel release cuts the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel in the wrist, relieving pressure on the median nerve that runs through it.
- Why it is done: It is used for carpal tunnel syndrome that causes persistent numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hand, particularly when symptoms are severe, worsening, or have not improved with splints or injections.
- What happens: It is usually done under local anaesthetic as a short day-case procedure.
What it is
Carpal tunnel release cuts the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel in the wrist, relieving pressure on the median nerve that runs through it.
Why it is done
It is used for carpal tunnel syndrome that causes persistent numbness, tingling, pain or weakness in the hand, particularly when symptoms are severe, worsening, or have not improved with splints or injections.
What happens
It is usually done under local anaesthetic as a short day-case procedure. Through a small cut in the palm or wrist, the surgeon divides the ligament to free the nerve; it typically takes about 20 minutes.
Recovery
The hand is usually bandaged for a few days and mild soreness settles over a couple of weeks. Tingling often improves quickly, though numbness and strength can take longer, especially in long-standing cases.
Good to know
Risks and things to consider
Risks include scar tenderness, temporary weakness of grip, infection and, rarely, nerve injury. In long-standing severe cases, some numbness may not fully recover.
Education and reference only. This explains the procedure in general terms and is not medical advice. Your own care, risks and recovery will be explained by the team looking after you.
Answers
Carpal Tunnel Release: frequently asked questions
Will my symptoms disappear straight away?
Tingling and night-time symptoms often ease quickly, but numbness and grip strength can take weeks to months to improve, particularly if the nerve was compressed for a long time.
Can carpal tunnel syndrome come back after surgery?
Recurrence is uncommon after a full release. Persistent symptoms are more often due to long-standing nerve damage before surgery than to the problem returning.
Related
Other surgery
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Tests and treatments
- NICE — procedure and treatment guidance
- British Orthopaedic Association / relevant professional body
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