Sunday, 15 December 2013

The Application Of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery

By Eugenia Dickerson


Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery provides patients with more efficient means to alleviate the discomfort and the painful effects that are caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The damage impacts the regular function of the nerve that is located in the wrist and extends into the hand. Symptoms are described as numbness, tingling, pain, and the possibility of weakness that makes it difficult to engage in normal actions.

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 practitioner will request a medical history and the performance of a physical examination to determine the nature of the injury. The application digital imaging may provide a clearer picture of the damage and is often followed with tests such as wrist tenderness and range of motion. Such measures will prove most effective in addressing discomfort and determining the best possible form of intervention.

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.

The outpatient surgery will allow the patient to engage in lighter motions that minimize the possibility of additional damage. The practitioner will advise on the steps for recovery and the overall healing processes that need to take place for normal function. One should rest the arm for a period of 6 months that will allow for all tissues to recover.

Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is advised when conventional measures for recovery have failed and the damage to the nerve in the wrist is extensive. It requires a physical examination by a qualified surgeon to ensure that the most suitable measures are applied for full and pain free operation. If you have CTS, do not wait for symptoms to diminish as it will simply deteriorate over time.




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