Carpal Tunnel Release

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be very uncomfortable and difficult to live with, symptoms include: 

• Pain in your fingers, hands or arm.
• Numbness in the thumb, index and middle finger.
• Tingling or pins and needles.
• Weakness and difficulty with grip.
• Wasting of the muscles at the base of the thumb.

CTS surgery is available with the NHS, but unfortunately, due to high demand, limited resources, and a backlog from the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s likely you will need to wait longer than the guideline of 18 weeks for surgery compared to self-pay options. Surgery offers the best chance of short and long term relief compared to other forms of treatment.

There are two types of CTS release surgeries: Open, and Endoscopic (keyhole).

In an open release surgery, the surgeon makes a 2-inch incision on the wrist. They then use a special surgical knife to cut the carpal ligament and enlarge the carpal tunnel. In an endoscopic carpal tunnel release, the surgeon makes two, half-inch incisions - called portals. One is on the wrist, and one is on the palm. A camera will be inserted and the ligament will be cut as guided by the camera. 

• Pre-Surgical Care: You will recieve a full body assessment and a list of pre-operative precautionary measures – the actions you should take before surgery to ensure the best results.
• Day of Surgery: A thorough health assessment is conducted to ensure that it is safe proceed with surgery. A qualified nurse will prepare you, and the procedure will then commence. The team will ensure your well-being and comfort throughout.
• Post-Surgical Care: Once the procedure is completed, and you are ready to go home, you will receive some guidelines of how to look after your wound.
• Follow up: If required, you will be booked in for a follow up appointment for no extra cost.
• Personalised Aftercare: Feel free to contact the team in case you face any issues or have any concerns, you will have our full support.

You will be discharged with a dressing that supports and protects the incision but also leaves the fingers free for movement. Dressings should be kept dry, so when bathing it is advisable to cover your  dressing using a large-sized rubber glove or a plastic bag. Your stitches will be removed at about 10 to 14 days after the operation. 

You will find that your grip is weaker than before the operation and  slightly uncomfortable. This can be a bit frustrating but you should be  back to full power by 6 to 12 weeks as healing occurs. Exercises such as  squeezing balls will not speed up the process, and if overdone this can  actually delay your recovery. 

The operation involves a cut being made at the base of the palm. The  scar is made in a natural skin crease so should not be too visible once  it settles. The scar can be sore for a few weeks after surgery.