Wednesday, December 25, 2013

The Application 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 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.

Once the exam has been performed, a test referred to as the Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Velocity will be applied to detect nerve pressure, sensitivity, and the source for numb sensations. In cases of mild injuries, the practitioner will advise on the wearing of a brace for a specified period of time and non-steroidal therapy to manage symptoms. If conventional measures fail, it will be addressed with the application of endoscopic surgery.

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.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is advised when conventional measures for recovery have failed and the damage to the nerve in the wrist is extensive. It requires a physical examination by a qualified surgeon to ensure that the most suitable measures are applied for full and pain free operation. If you have CTS, do not wait for symptoms to diminish as it will simply deteriorate over time.




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