Open Carpal Tunnel Release is a surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on the median nerve in the wrist, which is often caused by Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. This procedure involves making an incision in the palm to cut the transverse carpal ligament, thereby enlarging the carpal tunnel and alleviating symptoms like pain and numbness in the hand and fingers.

Open Carpal Tunnel Release

A surgical procedure is a medical intervention involving the manual and instrumental techniques to investigate, treat, or repair a condition or injury, often requiring anesthesia and sterile conditions. It is performed by trained surgeons and can range from minor outpatient procedures to complex operations requiring extensive hospital stays.

Surgical Procedure

The median nerve is a crucial component of the peripheral nervous system, responsible for innervating the anterior compartment of the forearm and parts of the hand, including the thenar muscles and lateral two lumbricals. It plays a vital role in motor and sensory functions, and its compression can lead to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome.

Median Nerve

Wrist

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. It is commonly associated with repetitive hand movements and can be managed through ergonomic adjustments, splinting, or surgical intervention if necessary.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

An incision is a surgical cut made in the skin or tissue to access underlying structures, often performed with precision to minimize damage and facilitate healing. It is a fundamental technique in surgery, requiring knowledge of anatomy and careful technique to ensure optimal outcomes and reduce complications.

Incision

Palm

The transverse carpal ligament, also known as the flexor retinaculum, is a fibrous band on the palmar side of the hand that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, providing stability to the wrist and protecting the median nerve and tendons passing through the tunnel. Dysfunction or thickening of this ligament can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and arm.

Transverse Carpal Ligament

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the median nerve as it travels through the wrist at the carpal tunnel, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand. Early diagnosis and management, including ergonomic adjustments and possibly surgical intervention, are crucial to prevent permanent nerve damage and restore hand function.

Carpal Tunnel

Alleviating symptoms

Pain is a complex and subjective experience that serves as a protective mechanism by signaling potential or actual harm to the body. It involves sensory, emotional, and cognitive components, making it both a physical sensation and a psychological experience.

Pain

Numbness refers to a partial or total lack of sensation in a part of the body, often resulting from nerve damage or compression. It can be a temporary condition or a symptom of a more serious underlying health issue, requiring medical attention.

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