Carpal Tunnel Repair

Every year, thousands of clients, (many of them uninsured, underinsured, or self insured), turn to the North American Surgery Inc group, to have their surgeries expedited quickly, at significant savings, close to home. No longer is there any need to travel great distances for uninsured medical procedures, such as carpal tunnel repair surgery. If you need carpal tunnel repair surgery, but you are uninsured, North American Surgery can help you.

What is carpal tunnel syndrome and how can surgery help?

Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve (which runs from the forearm into the hand across the palm side of the wrist) becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist, causing pain, swelling, numbness or tingling in the palm or fingers. The signs and symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe and usually worsen without treatment. The syndrome occurs more often in women than men.

Carpal tunnel syndrome may be caused by a variety of factors including:

• Genetics (people born with small carpal tunnels may be predisposed to have problems)
• Injury (for example, a sprained or broken wrist)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes
• Thyroid disease
• Repeated strain (vibrating tools are much more likely to cause difficulty than excessive keyboarding)
• Fluid retention during pregnancy or menopause
• A cyst or tumour in the canal
• In some cases, no specific cause can be found.

To treat carpal tunnel syndrome, physicians usually recommend starting with rest (including immobilizing the wrist with a splint), anti-inflammatory drugs and exercise. If the symptoms fail to improve after three to 12 months, many physicians will recommend surgery.

In the surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut which releases pressure on the median nerve. This relieves the symptoms.

What are the different surgical options for me?

There are two types of carpal tunnel repair surgery: open and endoscopic. Both are generally performed under local anesthetic, which means you can avoid the risks associated with a general anesthetic.

In open-release carpal tunnel surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision (about one to three inches long) in the base of the palm, sometimes extending into the wrist. He or she then cuts the transverse carpal ligament and it springs open, providing more space for the median nerve. The incision is then closed with stitches.

In endoscopic surgery, the surgeon makes one or two incisions that are approximately ½ inch long. Through one of these incisions, he or she then inserts an endoscope (small camera). The camera lets the surgeon see the transverse carpal ligament so it can be cut safely. The incision is then closed with stitches.

The advantage of an endoscopic surgery is less post-surgical pain and a smaller scar. The downside is a slightly higher risk of requiring a second operation – in the event the carpal ligament hasn’t been fully cut. You may also not be eligible for endoscopic surgery if you have abnormal nerve anatomy, a tumour, scarring or have had a previous carpal tunnel repair surgery.

Your surgeon is the best person to help you decide what approach will be best for you.

What are the risks of carpal tunnel repair surgery?

All surgeries – even those performed under local anesthetic – carry risks. These include but are not limited to the risk of infection and bleeding. Potential complications relating specifically to carpal tunnel repair surgery are the risk to the median nerve or other surrounding tissues. Surgery may not offer relief if another medical condition such as arthritis or thyroid disease is the root cause. Your surgeon is the best person to assess your risks with you and discuss how to minimize them.

How long will it take me to recover from carpal tunnel repair surgery?

Most patients will need to wear a post-operative splint for four to five days until the stitches are removed. If you have had surgery on your dominant hand (the one you use the most) and the original injury was caused by work activities – especially heavy lifting and repetitive movement — you may need several months before you can return to work. Physiotherapy will help speed the process. If the surgery was on your non-dominant hand and your work does not involve lifting or repetitive activities that put stress on your hands or wrist, you may return to work within a few days to two weeks.

What can I expect when I’m fully recovered?

In most people, the worst symptoms are usually immediately relieved by surgery. But full recovery and building up strength in the wrist can take a number of months. Again, physiotherapy will usually help speed the process.

Every year, thousands of clients, (many of them uninsured, underinsured, or self insured), turn to the North American Surgery Inc group, to have their surgeries expedited quickly, at significant savings, close to home. No longer is there any need to travel great distances for uninsured medical procedures, such as carpal tunnel repair surgery. If you need carpal tunnel repair surgery, but you are uninsured, North American Surgery can help you.

What to do if you are Uninsured, Under-Insured or Self-Insured

North American Surgery Inc. acts as a facilitator, bringing our clients together with private medical clinics and hospitals that can provide the needed services and/or procedures in a timely manner and at affordable prices to the uninsured. If you are uninsured and want more information about private medical care, contact North American Surgery Inc. today.