lundi 16 décembre 2013

Understanding 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 referred to as CTS and is a condition that commonly occurs as a result of repetitive strain as the median nerve becomes severely damaged due to stress and age. The reports of patients include mild tingling sensations, numbness, and weakness that can make it difficult to hold or pull on different items. If intervention is not sought, the symptoms will simply deteriorate with time.

Your surgeon will require a medical history and the completion of a physical assessment in order to identify the severity of symptoms. The X-ray imaging can aid in providing clarity on the injury and aid in the detection of the damage. Measures will include tenderness and range of movement allowing the professional to advise on the appropriate steps forward.

The Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Velocity are effective testing procedures that are used to identify the source for symptoms and the extent of nerve damage. Injuries that are mild in nature may respond to the application of a wrist brace to minimize movement and prescription drugs to control the pain. Such conventional means may not deliver the desired result and endoscopic intervention becomes the next step in the therapeutic process.

The surgical procedure aims to release a tightened ligament that has developed over the median nerve to aid in the alleviation of symptoms. The reason the nerve becomes compressed is because of carpal ligament tightening. The endoscopic device will be placed under the transverse carpal ligament where a smaller camera aims to identify the small ligament and make an incision in the wrist to minimize scarring.

Such methods should only be applied by an experienced and skilled surgeon because on the delicate nature involved. Such methods will be implemented within a half an hour and may include the use of anesthesia that will be determined by the preferences of patients. The needs and interests of all persons are considered including the option of regional anesthesia where the arm is numbed.

The out-patient procedure will allow the individual to move his or her arm immediately after the intervention is performed. It is important to adhere to the recovery methods as advised by the professional medical practitioner. One cannot use the arm to engage in strenuous activities for an average of 6 weeks to ensure that proper healing takes place.

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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