Dr. Steven Rueda is one of the most sought after surgeons for carpal tunnel syndrome in Palm Beach. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that affects a nerve in the wrist. This nerve is called the “median nerve”, and is responsible for providing sensation to the thumb, index, middle, and half of the ring finger in the palm of the hand. It also provides nerves to the muscles in the hand that help bring the thumb to the pinky, and other muscles that assist in finger motion.
WHAT CAUSES CARPAL TUNNEL?
It is called “carpal tunnel syndrome”, because of the location where the nerve is pinched in the wrist. The carpal tunnel consist of a floor, walls, and a roof. The floor and walls are made by the hard bones of the wrist. It’s roof is a ligament called the “transverse carpal ligament”. Inside the space bound by the bones and the ligament are tendons and the median nerve. In people affected by carpal tunnel syndrome, there is swelling inside the carpal tunnel. Given that the walls, floor, and roof are hard structures without room to expand, this swelling leads to compression and pinching of the median nerve. Ultimately symptoms of numbness, tingling, weakness and pain ensue.
CARPAL TUNNEL PROCEDURE
Dr. Rueda performs three types of carpal tunnel surgery: endoscopic, mini-open, and traditional open. The three procedures release the ligament at the roof of the carpal tunnel (transverse carpal ligament). This release generates more space in the tunnel and allows the nerve pressure to be reduced, therefore relieving symptoms.
Incisions
Made and hidden along a horizontal wrist crease
Incisions
Made and hidden along a vertical crease in the base of the palm of 1.5cm.
Incisions
Made along a vertical crease in the base of the palm of 3-4cms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Patients with classic history, symptoms, and exam who have failed conservative treatment or those who have severe carpal tunnel are good candidates for the procedure.
It is uncommon but its possible. This is known as recurrent carpal tunnel syndrome. These patients typically have improvement after the initial surgery, but symptoms returned months to years afterwards. It is thought to occur from pinching of the nerve at the carpal tunnel from scar tissue. Treatment is focused on releasing the nerve from scar and using tissue around it to protect it from scarring in the future
Complications are very rare in carpal tunnel surgery; it is a very safe procedure. Some of the uncommon risks include infection and bleeding of the surgical site after infection. There are also other major complications that are very unlikely including persistent pain and nerve injury.