Visit Opt Ortho for Physician Recommended ProductsLearn More

Texas Orthopedics
(512) 439-1000
(512) 439-1000
  • Online Bill Pay
  • Patient Portal
  • Schedule An Appointment
  • Refer A Patient
  • CAREERS
(512) 439-1000
  • Online Bill Pay
  • Patient Portal
  • Schedule An Appointment
  • Refer A Patient
  • CAREERS

Texas Orthopedics

  • Home
  • Providers
  • Locations
  • Specialties
  • Resources
  • Contact

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Part 2

July 19, 2010Filed Under: austin, carpal tunnel release, carpal tunnel surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, tx

Post provided by Robert Foster, MD

In the last post we discussed how CTS is diagnosed and nonsurgical treatment. Part two discusses the surgical treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.

Surgical carpal tunnel release remains the standard of care for severe carpal tunnel syndrome or when conservative treatment modalities have failed. Unfortunately, there still seems to be a great deal of fear and misinformation surrounding carpal tunnel surgery. Today carpal tunnel surgery can be performed with local anesthesia, with the patient wide awake, eliminating the need for fasting or an I.V. Many patients who have local anesthesia will come to surgery alone and drive themselves to and from the surgery center. For those patients who are still anxious about being alert during surgery, oral and I.V. sedation can still be made available.

Mini-incision carpal tunnel surgery is performed with the patient lying flat on their back with a small tourniquet on their forearm to prevent bleeding during surgery. A small half inch incision is made at the base of the palm and through this incision the transverse carpal tunnel ligament is divided in half, essentially opening the roof of the carpal tunnel and removing the pressure on the median nerve. Once the ligament is divided, the incision is closed with only one or two stitches. The entire procedure usually takes only 10 to 15 minutes. Following surgery, a light, soft dressing is applied, with no splint, and is worn for four to five days. Once the dressing is removed, a simple band-aid can be used to cover the incision to protect the stitches. After surgery patients are encouraged to move their wrist and fingers frequently and use their hand as tolerated. Many patients return to work and normal activities the day after surgery, although a couple of days of rest and light duty are not uncommon. The stitches are removed 10-14 days after surgery and most patients have significant improvement of their symptoms by the time they are seen for the post-op appointment. Once the carpal tunnel is released, recurrence of carpal tunnel syndrome is rare.

Today both surgical and non-surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is relatively safe and simple. Surgical treatment has a very high rate of success and patient satisfaction with a low rate of complications and risk. Non-surgical treatments, while not a permanent cure, can provide significant relief of symptoms. If you are one of the millions affected with carpal tunnel syndrome, talk to your doctor about your options or get an opinion for a specialist.

Related posts:

Default ThumbnailCarpal Tunnel Syndrome, Part 1 Default ThumbnailYou Kick Like A Girl

Filed Under: austin, carpal tunnel release, carpal tunnel surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, tx

Primary Sidebar

Categories

Arthritis
General
Rheumatology
Sports Medicine
Spine
Shoulder/Elbow
Hand/Wrist
Hip
Knee
Foot/Ankle

Follow

    

Popular Blog

OrthoLoneStar Announces Executive Leadership Changes

New Leander Office!

Footer

    Blog Post by Category

  • Arthritis
  • General
  • Rheumatology
  • Sports Medicine
  • Spine
  • Shoulder/Elbow
  • Hand/Wrist
  • Hip
  • Knee
  • Foot/Ankle
  • TX Ortho News

    News and Blog

Patient Education

From orthopedic injuries to physical therapy, our patient education library explains many of the conditions and treatments you may want to read about. Learn More

Patient Stories

Our doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and professional staff are what truly make Texas Orthopedics so great. See what our patients are saying about us. Learn More

Why Choose TX Ortho

Why Choose TX Ortho Learn More
  • Services
  • General Orthopedics
  • Sports Medicine
  • Spine Care
  • Joint Replacement
  • Trauma and Fracture Management
  • Physical Therapy
  • Electrodiagnostic Testing (EMG & NCS)
  • Imaging Services
  • Infusion Therapy
  • Surgery Center
  • Pediatrics
  • Telemedicine
  • Specialties
  • Hand & Wrist
  • Elbow
  • Shoulder
  • Hip
  • Knee
  • Foot & Ankle
  • Neck
  • Back
  • Rheumatology
  • Home
  • Contact
  • Locations
  • Patient Education
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Testimonials
  • Schedule an Appointment
  • Refer a Patient
  • Careers
  • TX Ortho News
  • Patient Login
  • Online Bill Pay

Doctors

  • › W. Parker Abblitt, MD
  • › Abed Abdelaziz, MD
  • › Robert E. Blais, MD
  • › Kenneth Bunch, MD
  • › Christopher M. Danney, MD
  • › Robert A. Foster, MD
  • › Peter M. Garcia Jr., MD
  • › Brian T. Hardy, MD
  • › Austin D. Hill, MD
  • › Vishal Kancherla, DO
  • › Robert J. Koval Jr., MD
  • › Kamen Kutzarov, MD
  • › David C. Laverty, MD
  • › Zachariah Logan, MD
  • › Michael D. Loeb, MD
  • › Joseph R. Martinez, MD
  • › Benjamin A. McArthur, MD
  • › John E. McDonald Jr., MD
  • › Ai Mukai, MD
  • › O. Atilla Onan, MD
  • › Mark S. Parrella, MD
  • › J.P. Rodriguez, MD
  • › Claire Ryan, MD
  • › Vilas Saldanha, MD
  • › Blake Schultz, MD
  • › W. Randall Schultz, MD
  • › Scott A. Smith, MD
  • › J. Brannan Smoot, MD
  • › Joseph H. Snowden, DPM
  • › Jason R. Somogyi, MD
  • › Daniel T. Stewart, MD
  • › Kristopher G. Stockton, MD
  • › Ryan M. Taylor, MD
  • › Ryan M. Tibbetts, MD
  • › Blake Turvey, MD
  • › Todd Walker, MD
  • › Greg L. Westmoreland, MD

INFORMATION ABOUT THE NO SURPRISES ACT AND GOOD FAITH ESTIMATES

Copyright © Texas Orthopedics, All rights reserved.

iHealthspot Medical Website Design and Medical Marketing by iHealthSpot.com

Texas Orthopedics provides comprehensive orthopedic care by offering on-site X-ray, MRIs, bone density scans, physical and occupational therapy, general orthopedic services, sports medicine, spine care, joint replacement, fracture and trauma care, infusion therapy, and a Joint Commission-accredited outpatient surgery center. In addition to orthopedic surgeons, we have physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists at our locations in Kyle, Round Rock, Lakeway, Northwest Austin, Leander, Central Austin, and South Austin, TX.