Chiropractor Springfield Tn | Half A Million Undergo Carpal Tunnel Surgery Yearly
Nearly 500,000 people undergo carpal tunnel surgery in the United States each year
. Surgery involves cutting the carpal ligament in order to hopefully release the median nerve. The operation is usually preformed in an "open" style, but a less invasive, endoscopic version is also possible.The surgery has a good rate of success, and requires extensive healing time, in most cases. Recurrence can, and does, occur, usually within two years of the original surgery.
Surgery should be considered a final option after other therapies have been tried and fail to produce good results.
Indications for Surgery -
Determining when to consider carpal tunnel surgery is a challenge. Most physicians won't even consider the procedure until symptoms have been consistently interfering with daily functions for at least 6 months. Chiropractics, acupuncture, massage and a number of medications can help relieve the symptoms, and should be attempted first.
Splints, ice packs and even corticosteroid injections are considered part of the normal range of treatment.
General Success Rates for Surgery -
70% of those who undergo carpal tunnel surgery are satisfied with the results of their surgery. 90% no longer have pain at night. The most common difficulties occur with improper healing, infection and scar tissue adhesion after surgery. Scarring can lead to additional surgery to reduce scar tissue, something that can become a "vicious cycle".
One of the key factors in successful recovery is following medical directions. Physical therapy, icing and proper support are needed during the healing period.
If surgery is performed on the non-dominant hand and your work doesn't involve repetitive motion with the hand then you can expect to return to work after a couple of days; a week or two of recovery is more common. In the dominant hand you should expect 6 to 12 weeks of recovery with a gradual return to full activities.
Endoscopic Surgery has Similar Results -
Unlike open surgery, endoscopic surgery offers the same benefits of increasing the space in the carpal tunnel without using a large incision. Two small incisions are used and an endoscope utilized to sever the ligament. Recovery time is quicker than in open surgery, and the scarring is minimal. Additionally, the scars usually occur at the incision sites rather than at the ligament site, decreasing the chances of the need for a second surgery.
The Research Continues -
As Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a large scale problem for workers in this country, a great deal of research is being conducted on the condition. Evaluations of biomechanics, movement, force and the progression of the syndrome continue with the goal of understanding what causes the condition and which treatments are most effective.
Studies into alternative treatments and the predictability of developing CTS are also in process. It is hoped that with a greater understanding of the mechanics that lead to pressure on the median nerve, the condition might be preventable.
If you do reach the point where carpal tunnel surgery is advisable to return better function to the hand, investigate your options carefully and do your post-operative physical therapy religiously.
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