Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Repair

Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Repair Now Being Performed in Our Duncansville Location!

If you spend a large portion of your day at the computer typing, you’ve probably experienced the wrist and hand cramping that can occur. Carpal tunnel is extremely common, and can occur for a number of reasons. Luckily, the annoying, painful symptoms of carpal tunnel can be relieved after endoscopic carpal tunnel repair.

What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition occurs as a result of pressure on the median nerve in your wrist. The median nerve (and several other tendons) runs from your forearm to your hand and is responsible for movement in your thumb and first three fingers, excluding your little finger.

Pressure or swelling on the median nerve, or anything that makes the carpal tunnel smaller, can cause carpal tunnel syndrome. Many things can cause this pressure on the median nerve, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, pregnancy and repetitive hand movements.

Carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms include tingling, numbness, weakness or pain in the fingers and hands.

The Procedure

The endoscopic carpal tunnel repair procedure is extremely safe, quick and requires little to no downtime.

During endoscopic carpal tunnel repair, a thin tube with a camera attached to it (an endoscope) will be inserted into your wrist through a very small incision. Another method inserts the camera into an incision in the palm. The endoscope will allow your doctor to see the structures inside of the wrists, without opening the area with a larger incision.

Once doctors have identified the transverse carpal ligament, they will use a very small surgical tool to cut it. This will release pressure on the median nerve and relieve carpal tunnel symptoms. Stitches will be used to close the small incisions.

The Recovery

The recovery period following endoscopic surgery is quite short. The pain and numbness may go away immediately after surgery or take several months. This all depends on the patient. You should stay away from any strenuous activity for the first couple weeks.

When you will be able to go back to work depends on your healing time and the nature of your job. If your job requires repeated dominant-hand motions, such as typing or assembly line work, it may take up to 8 weeks before you can return to work. If your non-dominant hand was operated on, it may only be 7-14 days before you can return to work. It is important to plan accordingly.

If you have been dealing with carpal tunnel syndrome and are looking for a solution, be sure to contact Laurel Cosmetics as soon as possible!

Carpal Tunnel Consultation

Carpal tunnel syndrome is treated by the leading carpal tunnel specialist in Pennsylvania at Laurel Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery. For expert diagnosis and treatment, contact us today.