Cross-section of the carpal tunnel - Advertisement -
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Carpal tunnel release, decompressing the median nerve |
Nonsurgical therapy
Carpal tunnel syndrome should be treated as early as possible after symptoms begin. If the condition is diagnosed early, nonsurgical methods may help improve carpal tunnel syndrome. Methods may include wrist splinting, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or corticosteroids. Splinting and other conservative treatments are more likely to help someone with mild to moderate symptoms that have been present for less than six months.
Surgery
If symptoms are severe or persist for more than six months, despite trying nonsurgical therapy, surgery may be the most appropriate option. Carpal tunnel release is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the U.S.
Traditional Surgery
In performing standard open surgery, which is done under local anesthesia or with sedation from an anesthesiologist, the surgeon makes a two-inch incision in the palm of the hand above the carpal tunnel and cuts through the ligament. This enlarges the carpal tunnel and frees the nerve. Following surgery, soreness or weakness may persist for
several weeks to a few months. Patients generally return to work in two to six weeks, depending on their occupation.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release (ECTR)
During the minimally invasive procedure known as an Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release or ECTR, the surgeon makes a tiny incision (1/2 inch) in the wrist and inserts an endoscope (a telescope-like device with a tiny camera attached to it) to see inside the carpal tunnel. He then divides the ligament, relieving the pressure. The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes and can be comfortably performed under local anesthesia with the patient fully awake or with light sedation from an anesthesiologist. The incision site needs no bandage and patients can shower immediately after surgery.
ECTR is a very specialized procedure and should be performed only by a surgeon who has performed it many times. Dr. Jacobson, who has performed hundreds of these procedures, recently brought the technique to Phelps, one of the few Westchester facilities where it is offered. Surgery brings permanent relief to almost all patients, says Dr. Jacobson. Compared to traditional open carpal tunnel release surgery, patients typically have significantly less pain afterwards and return to work and leisure activities more quickly. Office workers are usually back at work within two to four days, and those who perform physical labor can return to work as soon as they feel up to it, often in less than two weeks. There is some soreness in the palm for a few days, but no bandage is required and there are no restrictions regarding showering.
The change in his patients’ physical appearance after surgery is remarkable, says Dr. Jacobson. “When they no longer have numbness and pain, patients stop waking up at night. This often results in their looking refreshed and healthier, even by their first follow-up visit two weeks later. Often their only complaint is having to come in for the follow-up appointment at all, since they’re feeling so good!”
Jeffrey Jacobson, MD, received his medical degree from SUNY-Stony Brook and completed a residency in plastic surgery at Georgetown University Hospital. Board certified in plastic surgery, Dr. Jacobson is fellowship trained in orthopedic hand and wrist surgery with a specialty in microvascular and peripheral nerve surgery at University of Pittsburgh
Medical Center. In addition to hand surgery, he performs the full breadth of plastic surgery. Dr. Jacobson has offices in Harrison and Katonah (914-421-0123).