Friday, December 27, 2013

An Overview Of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery

By Eugenia Dickerson


The performance of endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is an invasive procedure aimed at alleviating the pain associated with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Such injury often results from the compression of the nerve located in the hand and wrist due to repetitive strain and activities that place pressure on such tissues. Patients report sensations of numbness, tingling, and weakness of the limb.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is also referred to as CTS and is a common condition that results from repetitive stress injuries and damage to the median nerve located in the wrist. Patients will describe a wide range of symptoms from tingling and numbness to weakened states making it impossible to lift and hold regular objects. The adverse effects will become worse over a period of time and requires the appropriate intervention.

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 Electromyogram and Nerve Conduction Velocity are effective testing procedures that are used to identify the source for symptoms and the extent of nerve damage. Injuries that are mild in nature may respond to the application of a wrist brace to minimize movement and prescription drugs to control the pain. Such conventional means may not deliver the desired result and endoscopic intervention becomes the next step in the therapeutic process.

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.

Such methods should only be applied by an experienced and skilled surgeon because on the delicate nature involved. Such methods will be implemented within a half an hour and may include the use of anesthesia that will be determined by the preferences of patients. The needs and interests of all persons are considered including the option of regional anesthesia where the arm is numbed.

The out-patient procedure will allow the individual to move his or her arm immediately after the intervention is performed. It is important to adhere to the recovery methods as advised by the professional medical practitioner. One cannot use the arm to engage in strenuous activities for an average of 6 weeks to ensure that proper healing takes place.

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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