Thursday, December 19, 2013

An Overview Of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery

By Eugenia Dickerson


The performance of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is an invasive procedure aimed at alleviating the pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Such injury often results from the compression of the nerve located in the hand and wrist due to repetitive strain and activities that place pressure on such tissues. Patients report sensations of numbness, tingling, and weakness of the limb.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or CTS is an uncomfortable condition that results in the compression of the median nerve of the wrist and can be attributed to repetitive stress injuries and age. Patients often describe the symptoms as mild tingling, numbness and weakness that makes it exceptionally difficult to hold or pull various items. The symptoms will become progressively worse over time and requires the appropriate medical intervention to manage and relieve discomfort.

The medical practitioner will need a detailed assessment of a medical history and a physical exam to detect the nature of the symptoms. The performance of digital imaging is necessary to detect the source for symptoms and the nature of nerve function. If movement is limited and the area is sore to the touch it will need a professional intervention to advise on the most suitable methods for recovery.

Once the exam has been performed, a test referred to as the Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Velocity will be applied to detect nerve pressure, sensitivity, and the source for numb sensations. In cases of mild injuries, the practitioner will advise on the wearing of a brace for a specified period of time and non-steroidal therapy to manage symptoms. If conventional measures fail, it will be addressed with the application of endoscopic surgery.

The surgical procedure aims to release a tightened ligament that has developed over the median nerve to aid in the alleviation of symptoms. The reason the nerve becomes compressed is because of carpal ligament tightening. The endoscopic device will be placed under the transverse carpal ligament where a smaller camera aims to identify the small ligament and make an incision in the wrist to minimize scarring.

It is important that such measures are overseen by a professional and experienced surgeon due to the highly technical nature of the intervention. The procedure will be performed over 30 minutes and under general anesthesia. Depending on patient needs, the surgery may also be performed under regional anesthesia where the arm to be operated on will simply be made numb.

The out-patient procedure will allow the individual to move his or her arm immediately after the intervention is performed. It is important to adhere to the recovery methods as advised by the professional medical practitioner. One cannot use the arm to engage in strenuous activities for an average of 6 weeks to ensure that proper healing takes place.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is advised when conventional measures for recovery have failed and the damage to the nerve in the wrist is extensive. It requires a physical examination by a qualified surgeon to ensure that the most suitable measures are applied for full and pain free operation. If you have CTS, do not wait for symptoms to diminish as it will simply deteriorate over time.




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