Carpal Tunnel Release - Open Procedure vs. Endoscopic

http://www.handandwristinstitute.com/... - ECTR, or endoscopic carpal tunnel release, is the preferred method of surgical treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, when possible. It consists of a one centimeter incision in the wrist, through which a scope and a cutting tool are inserted. The scope is used to provide the doctor with a view of the surgery as it occurs in a small, enclosed, space. The cutting tool comes up from under the tendon and slices it that way. Open release is not preferred because it requires a much larger incision through the palm and can lead to scarring, that does not occur in an endoscopic surgery. In fact, endoscopic release requires no stitching at all, only a light bandage over the wound to allow for healing. Open release requires stitches.

Recovery times for the two surgeries vary greatly as well; the open release can require up to three months of bracing and therapy to return to functionality, while endoscopic release can have you back to work or daily activities in as little as one month. The primary symptoms, those of tingling and numbness, usually resolve almost immediately after surgery, but recovery is required to regain full function. Loss of sensation, however, is less likely to be resolved by surgery, as is muscular or nervous weakness.

Cervical nerve damage can also cause carpal tunnel like symptoms, but surgery will not resolve these as the root of the problem lies elsewhere. It is important to accurately diagnose the condition before surgery is undergone to avoid this.