Tuesday, December 17, 2013

An Overview Of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery

By Eugenia Dickerson


With the application of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery it offers patients a non-invasive approach to relieving painful symptoms that are associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The damage that occurs is attributed to the presence of compressed nerves that extend from the wrist to the hand. Patients will experience exceptional pain and strain with the weakening 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.

The medical practitioner will need a detailed assessment of a medical history and a physical exam to detect the nature of the symptoms. The performance of digital imaging is necessary to detect the source for symptoms and the nature of nerve function. If movement is limited and the area is sore to the touch it will need a professional intervention to advise on the most suitable methods for recovery.

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.

Surgical intervention aims to alleviate the ligament that has contracted and contributes to the experience of pressure on the normal functioning of nerves. Once the ligaments tightens, it results in the compression of the nerve. With the use of an endoscopic camera, the practitioner is able to view the affected tissues and makes an incision in the wrist to minimize scarring.

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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