Carpal Tunnel Surgery is usually limited to patients who have tried and failed all non-surgical treatment options, or for more severe cases. Both the "open" approach and the "endoscopic" approach do the same thing- incise the carpal tunnel ligament so that it no longer puts pressure on the median nerve. Over time, and with post-surgery therapy, your hand should feel substantially better, with less tingling, numbness, and pain, and more strength.

The traditional "open" approach generally means making an incision in the palm of the hand, finding the ligament, incising the ligament, and then closing the skin over it.

The "endoscopic" approach usually means making an incision in your wrist flexion crease, between the base of your hand and wrist, and using an endoscopic camera to go underneath the ligament.

The surgical incision of the transverse ligament, either by the traditional open method (incision on the palm) or "endoscopic" / closed method (incision in the wrist flexion crease, and use of a surgical camera, or endoscope), is the MAIN thing about long-term relief of pressure on the median nerve. Non-surgical treatment tries to reduce the swelling and pressure in the carpal tunnel. If non-surgical treatment fails, then the surgical option permanently relieves pressure on the median nerve.

Dr. Roy Kim can do both methods, but prefers the endoscopic method, because there is less pain and slightly quicker healing with the endoscope. Both methods are the surgical standard for surgical relief of your pain, tingling, and numbness in your hand and wrist.

If you'd like to schedule a consultation, please contact his office at <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="mailto:info@drkim.com">info@drkim.com</a>.