Friday, December 27, 2013

An Overview Of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery

By Eugenia Dickerson


The performance of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is an invasive procedure aimed at alleviating the pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Such injury often results from the compression of the nerve located in the hand and wrist due to repetitive strain and activities that place pressure on such tissues. Patients report sensations of numbness, tingling, and weakness of the limb.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is also referred to as CTS and is a common condition that results from repetitive stress injuries and damage to the median nerve located in the wrist. Patients will describe a wide range of symptoms from tingling and numbness to weakened states making it impossible to lift and hold regular objects. The adverse effects will become worse over a period of time and requires the appropriate intervention.

The practitioner will request a medical history and the performance of a physical examination to determine the nature of the injury. The application digital imaging may provide a clearer picture of the damage and is often followed with tests such as wrist tenderness and range of motion. Such measures will prove most effective in addressing discomfort and determining the best possible form of intervention.

The completion of a physical examination and measures including the Electromyogram and and Nerve Conduction Velocity will determine the location of the damage. If the injuries are moderate, a wrist brace may have to be worn for a period of time and non-steroidal injections implement to decrease pain. Where such measures fail, endoscopic intervention will be recommended with the aim of decreasing the symptoms that impact on function without lengthy recovery periods.

The purpose for the performance of surgery is to relieve the contracted ligament that has cause pressure on nerve function. The nerve experiences a compressed state due to the ligament having become tight. The insertion of an endoscopic device will need to be placed below the carpal ligament to view the damage and to make the necessary incisions within the wrist.

It is important that such measures are overseen by a professional and experienced surgeon due to the highly technical nature of the intervention. The procedure will be performed over 30 minutes and under general anesthesia. Depending on patient needs, the surgery may also be performed under regional anesthesia where the arm to be operated on will simply be made numb.

It is an outpatient process that allows for light movement after the surgery has been completed. The practitioner will be able to advise on the measures available and the steps for recovery that should be applied to relieve symptoms and prevent further damages from occurring. The arm should not be used for a period of 6 weeks to allow for sufficient healing.

The performance of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery becomes necessary where regular methods of intervention such as bracing have failed to deliver the results you are looking for. It should be assessed by a licensed and experienced surgeon who can advise on the damages and facilitates pain free function for long term results. With CTS it is best to seek therapy to relieve discomfort and prevent further damage.




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