What is Carpal Tunnel Syndome? The Carpal Tunnel is a bony tunnel in the wrist that transmits tendons and the median nerve from the forearm into the hand and fingers. The median nerve is an important nerve that travels from the spinal cord at the neck to the hand. It normally provides sensation to the thumb and most of the fingers on the palm side of the hand. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed by a strong ligament that covers the nerve and tendons at the wrist – this is called the “transverse carpal ligament.” This is a common problem and can occur with pregnancy or certain arthritic conditions. Most of the time, however, no specific cause is found. Common Symptoms • Pins and needles, or numbness in the fingers. • Pain, particularly at night. • Weakness and clumsiness of the fingers. • In severe cases, there can be wasting or thinning of muscles at the base of the thumb. Treatment In early cases splinting or cortisone injection may help. Most of the time, surgery is the treatment of choice. A carpal tunnel release can often be performed under local anaesthetic as a day case. The procedure involves a short incision that releases the transverse carpal ligament and thereby taking the pressure of the nerve. The skin incision is most commonly repaired with dissolving stitches. The operation is successful for the vast majority of patients with improvement or resolution of their symptoms. After the Operation • For the first week a bulky dressing is kept on. • Your surgeon will usually see you within one to two weeks to check your wound. • You should be able to resume most normal activities by 4-6 weeks. Sometimes discomfort can persist for up to several months especially during strenuous activity. • Care of the scar is important after the operation to promote appropriate scar maturation. • Sometimes your surgeon may refer you to see a hand therapist for exercises and scar management. For further information, please contact the rooms of Mr. Frank Lin for a consultation. PATIENT INFORMATION Mr Frank Lin Plastic Surgeon CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME www.drfranklin.com.au Mr. Frank Lin, FRACS Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgeon Tel: 9890 2800 Fax: 9890 3800 This information is provided as a guide only. Copyright Dr. Frank Lin 2011-2014 www.drfranklin.com.au

Hand Carpal Tunnel - Eastern Plastic Surgery€¦ · the hand. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed by a strong ligament that covers the nerve and tendons

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Page 1: Hand Carpal Tunnel - Eastern Plastic Surgery€¦ · the hand. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve is compressed by a strong ligament that covers the nerve and tendons

• Pins and needles, or numbness in the fingers. • Pain, particularly at night. • Weakness and clumsiness of the fingers. • In severe cases, there can be wasting or thinning

of muscles at the base of the thumb. Treatment In early cases splinting or cortisone injection may help. Most of the time, surgery is the treatment of choice. A carpal tunnel release can often be performed under local anaesthetic as a day case. The procedure involves a short incision that releases the transverse carpal ligament and thereby taking the pressure of the nerve. The skin incision is most commonly repaired with dissolving stitches. The operation is successful for the vast majority of patients with improvement or resolution of their symptoms.

After the Operation

• For the first week a bulky dressing is kept on. • Your surgeon will usually see you within one to two

weeks to check your wound. • You should be able to resume most normal

activities by 4-6 weeks. Sometimes discomfort can persist for up to several months especially during strenuous activity.

• Care of the scar is important after the operation to promote appropriate scar maturation.

• Sometimes your surgeon may refer you to see a hand therapist for exercises and scar management.

For further information, please contact the rooms of Mr. Frank Lin for a consultation.

PATIENT INFORMATION Mr Frank Lin Plastic Surgeon

CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME

www.drfranklin.com.au

Mr. Frank Lin, FRACS Plastic Reconstructive Aesthetic Surgeon

Tel: 9890 2800 Fax: 9890 3800 This information is provided as a guide only. Copyright Dr. Frank Lin 2011-2014