Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
Surgical correction of carpal tunnel syndrome can be done in general, regional or local anesthesia as in this case. The neurologic signs disappear rapidly, woundpain will be present for some weeks and the strength of the thumb will temporarily be less.
After the local anesthesia an incision is made in the palm of the hand. Then the thickend fibrous band is approached.
The band is partly cut with a knife, then a pair of scissors is used to finish the job. The nerve is then freed. The red color of the nerve in this case proves that there has been a long period of too high pressure. Normally the nerve has a more white or yellowish color.
Only the skin is sutured. The hand and fingers may be used with care. After about ten days the sutures can be removed.