Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Learn more about our capabilities for treating carpal tunnel pain.
Quick Facts on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- The carpal tunnel is a tunnel inside your hand, formed by a semi-circle of bones on three sides.
- Pressure placed on the nerve in that tunnel causes the carpal tunnel pain and symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
- Carpal tunnel pain can be treated by carpal tunnel release, a procedure where the transverse carpal ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel is cut to relieve the pressure on the median nerve.
- The carpal tunnel specialists at Precision are able to use the “Safeguard” system for carpal tunnel release (KMI Inc., San Diego) in selected patients, which is designed to help perform limited-open carpal tunnel release.
What is the carpal tunnel?
The carpal tunnel is a tunnel inside your hand, formed by a semi-circle of bones on three sides. The fourth side is a ligament that is unable to stretch. The median nerve, nine tendons, a spongy tissue called tenosynovium, and a bit of extra room are all located inside this tunnel.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Since the carpal tunnel is unable to stretch, pressure is placed on the median nerve when the tenosynovium begins to swell for any number of reasons. Due to the pressure, you begin to feel the symptoms mentioned above. This is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, or CTS.
How is carpal tunnel pain treated?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) can be treated in a variety of ways. Initially, the wrist is splinted to keep the wrist and forearm in a straight line. Vitamin B6 taken in a dose of 100 mg once a day is felt to act as a mild diuretic (water pill) and may help reduce the symptoms of CTS. An injection of cortisone provides short-term relief of the pain and numbness associated with CTS in 80% of patients. If the symptoms persist surgery may be necessary.
Carpal tunnel release is a procedure where the transverse carpal ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel is cut to relieve the pressure on the median nerve. It is important to recognize that carpal tunnel surgery is not a trivial operation. Whether it is done by an open, limited-open, or endoscopic technique there is the risk that tendons, nerves, or vessels will be injured.
Dr. Bhatnagar has been using the “Safeguard” system for carpal tunnel release (KMI Inc., San Diego) in selected patients. The KMI Safeguard system is designed to help perform limited-open carpal tunnel release. The “Safeguard” system is a device consisting of a knife and a guide. A guide is placed between the transverse carpal ligament and the median nerve. The knife is passed along a groove in the guide as it safely cuts the ligament. This system allows the doctor to be precise and to avoid injury to nerves, vessels, or tendons. This procedure is performed as an outpatient surgery.
Recovery time varies according to how much you have to do with your hands, however light use is encouraged immediately after surgery.
Meet Our Doctors
From Johns Hopkins to The Mayo Clinic to New York’s Hospital for Special Surgery, our doctors have trained at the world’s leading medical institutions.
View Our Locations
Find the Precision facility that is closest to you among our 12 locations throughout Maryland.