About Carpal Tunnel

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can affect one or both wrists.

Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome usually start gradually and mostly affects the thumb, index and middle fingers.

The common symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome are:

weakness and/or numbness in the hand
pins and needles
reduced grip
pain
radiating pain into the hand and fingers

These symptoms may be worse at night and with driving or gripping objects.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome can be diagnosed by your clinical symptoms and confirmed by Nerve Conduction Studies and Electromyography performed generally by a Neurologist. An ultrasound may also be ordered.

Treatment Options

What are the non-operative treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Non-operative treatment options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome include bracing and/or splinting of the hand and wrist at night or a local anaesthetic and/or steroid injection into the wrist by a Radiologist.

What are the operative treatment options?

Operative treatment for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is done in the form of a Carpal Tunnel Decompression. This is a day surgery procedure under local anaesthetic and sedation. The procedure generally takes approximately 5 minutes. For the carpal tunnel to be released a small incision into the palm of the hand at the carpal tunnel is performed. The nerve is than released and the wound is closed with dissolvable sutures. A dressing is then applied over the wound, along with a bulky bandage.

What happens following surgery?

Following surgery the hand will be numb for approximately 24 to 48 hours due to the local anaesthetic used. You will not be able to drive immediately after your surgery, due to the anaesthetic used, so arrangements for transport will need to be made before the day of surgery.

If required, you may take Paracetamol or pain medication that have been prescribed by your Anaesthetist, for any pain that you may be experiencing. You will need to de-bulk your bandage approximately three days following your surgery. The dressing under this bandage needs to be kept dry and clean until your post-operative review in approximately 2 to 3 weeks.

What is the recovery time following carpal tunnel surgery?

Recovery time following carpal tunnel decompression is individual and depends on the severity of the condition, complexity of the surgery and previous medical history. Discomfort with use and tenderness over the surgical site may occur for approximately 3 to 4 months following surgery.

Risks & Concerns

Risks of carpal tunnel surgery include:

Infection
Scar
Pain
Stiffness
Swelling
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Need for further surgery

Failure to relieve symptoms
Worsening pain
Bleeding
Neurovascular deficit or injury
Risk of anaesthetic
Recurrence

If you experience any problems or have any concerns following your surgery, please do not hesitate to contact the office. A/Prof. Lawson-Smith’s staff with ensure that A/Prof Matthew Lawson-Smith is kept informed of what is occurring and will advise you the best course of action.

If you are unable to reach the office, please do not hesitate to contact your GP or if it is an emergency, please present to your nearest Emergency Department.