|
Idaho
Falls Hand Surgery
R. Timothy Thurman, M.D.
CARPAL TUNNEL
SYNDROME
CTS is the most common
entrapment neuropathy affecting up to 10% of the general
population and up to 15% of those in high-risk occupations.
It is estimated over 200,000 surgical procedures are
performed in the United States annually for this condition.
The risk factors include obesity, hypothyroidism, diabetes,
pregnancy, renal disease, inflammatory arthritis, gender,
genetic factors, greater age (highest after 50 years),
smoking, and occupational exposure. In general, CTS results
when there is increased pressure on the median nerve as it
passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. The tunnel
is comprised of a U-shaped configuration of bones covered by
a very thick ligament. It does not yield to increases in
volume or pressure.
Frequently numbness and
tingling is noted in the fingers and hand. Most commonly,
the symptoms are noted in the thumb, index, long, and ring
fingers. The symptoms may also include pain in the wrist or
forearm. Nighttime symptoms awakening the individual from
sleep is common.
Nonsurgical treatment
includes anti-inflammatory medications, night splinting,
activity modification, workspace ergonomic changes, and
steroid injection. Therapeutic measures such as ultrasound
and exercises including yoga, tendon and nerve gliding are
sometimes helpful. Recent trials of magnet therapy, laser,
acupuncture, and chiropractic have not proven beneficial.
|
Should one reach the office of the hand specialist,
a nerve study will likely be recommended to ensure
the condition is actually carpal tunnel syndrome and
to assess the severity.
Surgical decompression of the carpal tunnel is
generally associated with an excellent outcome and
the relief of symptoms is expected to be permanent.
Additional good news regarding surgical intervention
involves reduction in incision size and downtime for
convalescence. |
Anticipated Carpal Tunnel Release Incision |
Carpal Tunnel Release being Performed |
Completed Carpal Tunnel Release |
|
