What is Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release?

If you suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release is an excellent option for alleviating pain and discomfort in a quick and efficient way. Recovery time for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release is quick...

If you suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release is an excellent option for alleviating pain and discomfort in a quick and efficient way. Recovery time for Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release is quick, it creates very little scarring, and most patients leave the hospital directly after treatment

So how does Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release work? Here’s our definitive guide.

Before we dive further, let’s break down what Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release means:

Endoscope:

A small tube with a camera at the end. It allows the physician to see inside the wrist and hand without cutting a larger incision.

Carpal Tunnel:

The tunnels on the underside of the wrist through which nine tendons pass on their way to controlling the hand.

Release:

In the procedure, the physician cuts a ligament in the carpal tunnel. By doing so, it creates more space in the carpal tunnel.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:

If any of the tendons in the carpal tunnel swell (usually because of trauma, arthritis, or repetitive hand motions) it expands and pinches a nerve inside the tunnel responsible for feeling in the hand and fingers. The main symptom is usually tingling in the extremity of the hand but can escalate in certain cases to nerve damage.

How the Procedure Works

First, a small incision is made in the wrist, and the endoscope is fed through so the physician can inspect the interior. Using the same tube, a small scalpel is inserted to cut the carpal ligament. This cut creates space in the carpal tunnel so the nerve there is no longer being pinched. The incision in the wrist is then closed with a stitch.

Benefits

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release has several benefits over other procedures for carpal tunnel syndrome. It is an outpatient procedure, meaning that there’s no need for an overnight visit to the hospital. Because the incision made to introduce the endoscope is small, there is little scarring and little chance of infection.

If you suffer from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, we here at the Orthopedic Center of Palm Beach County are ready to help. Our Board Certified surgeons will meet with you and figure out if an Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release is right for you.