Northern Plastic Surgery (NT)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
In this condition, the median nerve to the hand is under pressure as it passes through the wrist ( carpal tunnel) causing numbness and or pain in the fingers or pain at night where the patient has to wake and shake the hand. It can cause progressive weakness, numbness ( usually to the thumb index middle and 1/2 the ring) and impair hand function. Surgery is needed to relieve the nerve off pressure. There are 2 ways but Dr Mahajani uses the open carpal tunnel release method. The endoscope method is the other. To confirm the condition, your doctor will send you for nerve conduction studies prior to seeing Dr Mahajani.
Operation for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The open carpal tunnel release is a short operation done under sedation in the day surgery. It takes 10-15 minutes. An incision is made in the wrist about 3-4 cm long and the ligament of the carpal tunnel is incised. This takes the pressure off the nerve. The nerve is also inspected in case of other problems. The wound is sutured and the patient goes home. It usually takes 1 week to recover from - see carpal tunnel release information sheet.