Open Carpal Tunnel Release

Indications

• Clinical symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) include numbness and paresthesias or pain in the median nerve distribution of the hand and fingers. Weakness, stiffness, or clumsiness of the hand also is seen. The major disability the patients report is in regard to thumb movement. Atrophy of the thenar eminence may be seen with chronic CTS. Symptoms may be provoked by tapping or applying pressure over the carpal tunnel or with prolonged wrist flexion.

• Clinical signs of CTS include dulled sensation or hyperesthesia in the fingertips innervated by the median nerve.

• Sensory nerve conduction slowing at the wrist should be confirmed with electrodiagnostic studies.