Medical Health Encyclopedia

Carpal tunnel release

After the surgery, the wrist is usually immobilized in a splint or heavy bandage for about a week. Then motion exercises or a physiotherapy program will begin.

The results of carpal tunnel release for carpal tunnel syndrome are generally very good.

Indications:

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Patients who have symptoms consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome usually undergo nonsurgical treatment first. This includes anti-inflammatory medications, wrist splints, occupational therapy, and workplace modification. If this fails to improve symptoms, an injection of steroids into the carpal tunnel may be helpful.

If all treatments do not help, most surgeons will use an EMG to test the electrical activity of the median nerve. If the results of the test are consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome, carpal tunnel release surgery is an option.

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