Carpal tunnel syndrome
This typically causes numbness of the thumb, index, middle and half of the ring fingers, plus weakness of the hand. Patients may drop objects and sleep is often disturbed. It is caused by compression of the median nerve in the wrist.
Non-surgical treatment: wrist splint, injection
Carpal tunnel decompression
Dr McGonagle will inject local anaesthetic into the skin at the wrist and hand. This will be a little painful. You will be awake for the procedure. A tourniquet will be applied to your arm to minimize bleeding. Dr McGonagle will make a small incision on your hand and release the pressure on the median nerve.
Benefits: decreased numbness and increased strength in your hand. It may take weeks or months to notice the full benefit.
Risks: pain, swelling, bleeding, infection, recurrence, nerve/tendon injury
Anaesthetic: local anaesthetic
Duration in hospital: 0.5 days
After Surgery
You will have a heavy bandage on your hand and wrist. You should remove this the following day. Start moving your fingers and hand immediately after the operation. Keep it elevated above the level of your heart. Keep the wound clean and dry.
The adhesive dressing is likely to fall off after a few days. Wash the wound gently with soap and water. A new dressing can be applied, but is not essential. The stitches are dissolvable and will fall out around 2 weeks after surgery.
You will have a wound check with the practice nurse 2 weeks after surgery.
Dr McGonagle will review you in clinic 6 weeks after surgery.