Actually no muscle is cut during this surgery. Instead, the surgeon cuts the transverse carpal ligament so pressure on the median nerve (the cause of carpal tunnel syndrome) can be released thus reducing the symptoms.
it only takes 15 to 30 minutes to complete a carpal tunnel release
The floor of the carpal tunnel is made up of (from the pinky side of the wrist to the thumb side, respectively) the hamate bone, capitate bone, trapezoid bone, and trapezium bone.These bones make up the "distal row" of carpal bones and form the floor of the tunnel at the mid-portion of the transverse carpal ligament - the structure cut by the surgeon during carpal tunnel surgery.
During carpal tunnel surgery, the surgeon makes an incision in the wrist to access the transverse carpal ligament, which is compressing the median nerve. The ligament is then cut to relieve pressure on the nerve, alleviating symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling. This procedure can be performed as an open surgery or using an endoscopic technique, which involves smaller incisions and a camera to guide the surgery. After the ligament is released, the incision is closed, and recovery involves rehabilitation exercises to restore function.
Carpel tunnel surgery is usually done by an orthopaedic surgeon. Other types of surgeons who perform carpal tunnel release surgery: - plastic surgeon - general surgeon specializing in hand surgery These three types of surgeons will often seek additional certification from groups like the American Society for Surgery of the hand (http://www.assh.org). They may have what is called a "Certificate of Additional Qualifications" in hand surgery, or CAQ. This certification or membership in the ASSH guarantees nothing in terms of quality, but indicates they have spent extra time and effort improving their education in the field of hand surgery and shows some degree of passion for treating your particular problem.
Tenotomy means to cut a tendon. In this case the flexor carpi radialis tendon. This tendon doesn't run through the carpel tunnel itself. A few doctors do lump it with the other four that do go through the tunnel. By saying he released the carpi, he means that the cut tendon no longer is attached to the wrist bone it once went to. You must of had problems with the thumb. At the link below, you will see this muscle and tendon. There is a "bar" holding the other tendons away from the flexor carpi radialis. This shows that is is not in the tunnel.
Normal anatomyThe tendons and nerve to the hand (median nerve) passes between strong ligaments (carpal ligaments) in the wrist and the wrist bones (carpal tunnel).IndicationsWhen the nerves or tendons inside the carpal tunnel swell or become inflamed (carpal tunnel syndrome), pressure on the nerve causes pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the fingers and wrist.The nerve most commonly affected in carpal tunnel syndrome is the median nerve, which provides motor and sensory function to the hand.Most physicians recommend trying non-surgical treatments (such as: splinting the wrist, using anti-inflammation medications) before recommending surgery.ProcedureCarpal tunnel repair is done while the patient is awake or sleepy and pain-free (local or regional anesthesia) or deep asleep and pain-free (general anesthesia). Through an incision on the inside of the wrist, the carpal ligament is cut open to relieve the pressure on the nerve. The incision is stitched (sutured) closed.AftercareThe surgery is usually very successful in relieving symptoms. Numbness or tingling that continues after surgery is usually due to damage to the nerve. A splint may be used to reduce wrist motion. The surgery is usually done as an outpatient. Complete recovery takes about 4 weeks.Reviewed ByReview Date: 05/25/2010A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, and David R. Eltz. Previously reviewed by C. Benjamin Ma, MD, Assistant Professor, Chief, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service, UCSF Dept of Orthopaedic Surgery (2/3/2009).
Yes there will be some pain, discomfort etc..because you had surgery..your skin and tissue beneath the skin were cut. Your numbness and tingling in the fingers should subside from that day to several weeks just depending on how much swelling you are having. There are also many other factors that can delay your CTS surgery healing from smoking to lawyers! Check link for complete details.
DefinitionCarpal tunnel release is surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is pain and weakness in the hand that is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist.DescriptionThe median nerve and the tendons that flex (or curl) your fingers go through a passage called the carpal tunnel in your wrist. This tunnel is narrow, so any swelling can pinch the nerve and cause pain. A thick ligament (tissue) just under your skin makes up the top of this tunnel.First, you will receive anesthesia (numbing medicine) so that you will not feel pain during surgery. You will be awake but also receive medicines to make you relax.In carpal tunnel release, the surgeon will cut through this ligament to make more space for the nerve and tendons.First your surgeon will make a small incision (cut) in the palm of your hand near your wrist.Then your surgeon will cut the carpal transverse ligament to ease the pressure on the median nerve. Sometimes, tissue around the nerve is removed as well.Your surgeon will then close the skin and tissue underneath with sutures (stitches).Sometimes surgeons do this procedure using a tiny camera that is attached to a monitor. The surgeon inserts the camera into your wrist through a very small incision and looks at the monitor to see inside your wrist. This is called endoscopic surgery. The instrument used is called an endoscope.Why the Procedure Is PerformedPatients with symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome usually try non-surgical treatments first. These are:Anti-inflammatory medicinesOccupational therapyWorkplace changes to improve your seating and how you use equipment at workWrist splintsShots of corticosteroid medicine into the carpal tunnelIf none of these treatments help, some surgeons will test the electrical activity of the median nerve with an EMG. If the test shows that the problem is carpal tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel release surgery may be recommended.If the muscles in the hand and wrist are getting smaller because the nerve is being pinched, surgery will usually be done right away.RisksRisks of carpal tunnel release are:Allergic reactions to medicinesBleedingInfectionInjury to the median nerve or nerves that branch off of itRarely, injury to another nerve or blood vessel (artery or vein)Scar sensitivityBefore the ProcedureAlways tell your doctor or nurse what drugs you are taking, even drugs, supplements, or herbs you bought without a prescription.You may be asked to stop taking drugs that make it harder for your blood to clot. These include aspirin, ibuprofen, (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve), and other drugs.Ask your doctor which drugs you should still take on the day of your surgery.If you smoke, try to stop. Ask your doctor or nurse for help. Smoking can slow healing.Always let your doctor know about any cold, flu, fever, herpes breakout, or other illness you may have before your surgery.You will usually be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to arrive at the doctor's office.After the ProcedureThis surgery is done on an outpatient basis. You will not need to stay in the hospital.After the surgery, your wrist will probably be in a splint or heavy bandage for about a week. After the splint or bandage is removed, you will begin motion exercises or a physical therapy program.Outlook (Prognosis)Carpal tunnel release decreases pain, nerve tingling, and numbness better, and restores muscle strength. Still, most people are helped by this surgery.The length of your recovery will depend on how long you had symptoms before surgery and how badly damaged your median nerve is. If you had symptoms for a long time, you may not be completely free of symptoms after you recover.ReferencesWright PE II. Carpal tunnel, ulnar tunnel, and stenosing tenosynovitis. In: Canale ST, Beatty JH, eds. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 73.Jarvik JG, Comstock BA, Kliot M, Turner JA, Chan L, Heagerty PJ, et al. Surgery versus non-surgical therapy for carpal tunnel syndrome: a randomized parallel-group trial. Lancet. 2009;374(9695):1074-1081.Keith MW. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons clinical practice guidelines on the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2009;91(1):218-219.Cellocco P, Rossi C, Boustany SE, di Tanna GL, Costanzo G. Minimally invasive carpal tunnel release. Orhtop Clin North Am. 2009;40(4):441-448.
Complications of carpal tunnel surgery or carpal tunnel release are similar to any other type of surgery such asbleedingswellinginflammation of siteinfectionsoreness at the incision site (called pillar pain) - this may last for a few monthsthe one complication that is more serious is if the median nerve is cut or nicked; with this you can have permanent numbness and tingling of the fingers.The median nerve is around the thickness of a number 2 pencil. It's very difficult to cut it unless the surgeon is careless or cannot see what he/she is doing.The most common nerve injury is a bruising of the nerve from a retractor or from scissors. This type of injury usually gets better with time but may create some numbness or burning pain temporarily.
DefinitionCarpal tunnel biopsy is a test in which a small piece of tissue is removed from the carpal tunnel (part of the wrist).Alternative NamesBiopsy - carpal tunnelHow the test is performedThe skin of your wrist is scrubbed and injected with medicine that numbs the area. Through a small cut, a sample of tissue is removed from the carpal tunnel. This is done by direct removal of tissue or by needle aspiration.Sometimes this procedure is performed at the time of carpal tunnel release.How to prepare for the testYour doctor may ask that you not eat anything for a few hours before the test.For infants and children, the physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age and experience. For specific information on how to prepare your child, see the following topics:Infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)Toddler test or procedure preparation (1 - 3 years)Preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 - 6 years)School age test or procedure preparation (6 - 12 years)Adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 - 18 years)How the test will feelYou may feel some stinging or burning when the numbing medicine is injected. You may also feel some pressure or tugging during the procedure. Afterward, the area may be tender or sore for a few days.Why the test is performedThis test may be done if you have symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and your health care provider suspects that you may have amyloidosis.Normal ValuesNo abnormal tissues are found.What abnormal results meanAmyloidosis involving the carpal tunnel.What the risks areBleedingDamage to the nerve in this areaInfection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)Special considerationsIf the biopsy indicates abnormalities of the carpal tunnel, your health care provider may suggest the carpal tunnel release procedure. Your provider may also recommend more surgery to fix or improve the abnormality.
The site of the surgery depends upon the nature of surgery and should best be left for the Surgeon to decide
If she 'just' had surgery, it is because they have just cut through her skin, muscle fat, and cut the bone and probably used a large metal mallet a lot. Nothing unusual, should subside with time.