Hand Surgery for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, CTS, is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve which runs through a part in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. These nerves control sensation and movement in parts of the hand, especially the thumb and your first 3 fingers. When the nerve is compressed, patients feel numbness, tingling, weakness, and even pain in their hand. According to Brigham and Women's Hospital, “Carpal tunnel surgery is a treatment option for carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition in which the median nerve that controls sensation and motor functions in the thumb and three middle fingers is compressed as it passes through the carpal tunnel” (Ameya V.). Surgery is only considered when non-surgical options are no longer effective. 

Carpal tunnel surgery is performed to relieve the pressure on the median nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament. This can be done by using 2 techniques: Open surgery or endoscopic surgery. In open surgery, the surgeon makes a small incision in the palm to cut the ligament directly. In endoscopic surgery, tiny instruments and cameras are inserted through a small incision to cut the ligament from the inside. “Both types of surgeries are very effective at improving symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome” (Brigham and Women’s Hospital). Endoscopic surgery is usually better because it allows for a faster and less painful recovery even though it requires more specialized equipment and experience.

Recovery from the surgery varies on the patient and type of procedure. Most patients can resume easy daily activities within a few days, but full recovery and return to much harder activities may take 4-6 weeks. After surgery, the wrist is wrapped in bandage or splint and follow up visits are scheduled within 1-2 weeks. Physical therapy is also recommended to restore strength and flexibility. Many patients experience a lot of relief right after surgery from numbness and tingling, while others with severe symptoms may take longer to notice improvement. Overall, carpal tunnel surgery offers lasting relief for most patients, helping them regain comfort and normal hand functions. 

Written by Malak Ibrahim at Incisionary

References

Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Carpal tunnel release. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/carpal-tunnel-release

Save, A. V. (2023, November 28). Carpal tunnel surgery: How it works and recovery time. Hospital for Special Surgery. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.hss.edu/health-library/conditions-and-treatments/carpal-tunnel-surgery

Brigham and Women’s Hospital. (n.d.). Carpal tunnel surgery. Retrieved October 10, 2025, from https://www.brighamandwomens.org/medical-resources/carpal-tunnel-surgery