(501) 748-8000 PATIENT PORTAL FIND A DOCTOR ABOUT PROCEDURES FOR PATIENTS & VISITORS BLOG CONTACT REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT HAND AND WRIST Treatments & Procedures Hand surgeons deal with problems of the hand, wrist, and forearm. They care for these problems with and without surgery. They are specially trained to operate when necessary. Many hand surgeons are also experts in diagnosing and caring for shoulder and elbow problems. Carpal Tunnel Release Trigger Finger Release Wrist Arthroscopy Finger/Wrist Fusion Carpal Tunnel Release Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in the hand and wrist caused by excessive pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Compression of the nerve typically causes numbness and tingling in the thumb, index finger, middle finger and ring finger. Pain in the hand and wrist may also occur. Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure that reduces the pressure on the median nerve to alleviate symptoms. The “carpal tunnel” refers to the tunnel formed by the transverse carpal ligament and the carpal bones of the wrist. The median nerve runs through this tunnel. If the nerve becomes compressed by the tunnel, numbness and tingling can occur in the thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger. In addition, pain in the wrist and forearm and weakness of the thumb may occur. Carpal tunnel release may be performed as an open procedure, in which the carpal ligament is exposed, or as an endoscopic procedure, in which a tiny camera on the end of a scope lets your surgeon see inside your wrist. Both types of procedure may be done under local, regional, or general anesthesia, depending on the decisions made by you and your surgeon. A tourniquet is also placed on the arm in both forms of this procedure to temporarily stop blood flow to the hand while your surgeon works. Open Carpal Tunnel Release In an open carpal tunnel release procedure, a single incision is made at the base of the palm. The transverse carpal ligament and connective tissue in the forearm are cut to relieve pressure on the median nerve. If further issues such as cysts or inflammation are present, your surgeon may extend the incision to address these problems. Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release In an endoscopic carpal tunnel release procedure, either one or two incisions are made. An endoscope, which is a tiny camera on the end of a thin tube, is inserted into the incision to allow your surgeon to see inside the joint. The transverse carpal ligament and the connective tissue in the forearm are cut to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Recovery from Carpal Tunnel Release When the surgery is complete, the incision is closed and you will be given an injection to numb the area for several hours. You will wear a bandage over the wound, and in some cases, patients are given a splint to wear to keep the wrist from moving. Some pain, swelling, and stiffness after the procedure is normal and may last for several weeks as you heal. Sutures are typically removed ten to fourteen days after the surgery. Do you have a question about a procedure? REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT MEET OUR HAND & WRIST SURGEONS Experience in treating a broad range of joint disorders. Jesse Abeler D.O. Orthopedic Surgeon Larry Nguyen M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon David Rhodes M.D. Orthopedic Surgeon NEED HELP SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT WITH A SURGEON? REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT MORE QUESTIONS? CONTACT MAIN LINE (501) 748-8000 TOLL-FREE NUMBER (866) 273-1271 VISIT THE HOSPITAL 5201 Northshore Drive North Little Rock, AR 72118 USE THE BILL PAY SYSTEM ONLINE BILL PAY Mission Vision Values ABOUTCONTACTPROCEDURESREFER A PATIENTFOR PATIENTS & VISITORSPATIENT PORTALBLOGCAREERS © 2021 Arkansas Surgical Hospital. All Rights Reserved. Notice of Non-Discrimination | Notice of Privacy Practices