Find Relief with
Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects many people, causing discomfort, weakness and often persistent pain in the hand and wrist. The symptoms, including tingling, numbness and wrist pain, can interfere significantly with daily activities, making simple tasks difficult to perform.
At UK Hand & Wrist Surgery, we understand the impact that carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can have on your life. Our focus is on providing effective, tailored surgical solutions, with Mr Patrick Goon, Specialist Hand Surgeon, leading the way in advanced carpal tunnel release surgery to help relieve pain and restore function.
What is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve, which runs through a narrow passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This pressure often results from repetitive hand movements, prolonged direct pressure or any cause for swelling in the carpal tunnel, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, pain and weakness in the hand and fingers. Left untreated, carpal tunnel syndrome can worsen, making daily tasks difficult and potentially causing long-term nerve damage.
Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to a range of symptoms that often start subtly but may progress and intensify over time. Recognising these symptoms early can help ensure timely treatment and prevent further discomfort:
- Numbness and tingling in the thumb, index and middle and ring (partial) fingers
- Wrist pain that may radiate up the arm
- Weakness in the hand especially the thumb, making it difficult to grip objects
- Increased discomfort during activities requiring hand or wrist movements
- Persistent symptoms that disrupt sleep, especially at night
- Advanced constant symptoms that affect daily tasks and hand strength
Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery can be performed through open, endoscopic or percutaneous techniques, tailored to each patient’s needs and situation for example, severity of carpal tunnel syndrome, variant anatomy or anatomical cause, previous surgical releases, time off work etc.
Diagnosing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A thorough diagnosis is essential to determine the best course of treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. To diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome accurately, a specialist may conduct a physical examination to assess the symptoms and test for sensation in the fingers and strength in the hand muscles.
Additionally, a nerve conduction test, which measures electrical signals passing through the median nerve and across the carpal tunnel, may be performed to assess the severity of nerve compression within the carpal tunnel. In some cases, imaging studies may be conducted to examine the carpal bones and surrounding structures.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Treatment
Treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome is tailored to the severity of each case. In cases where symptoms are mild to moderate, conservative approaches may be recommended, while more severe symptoms often require surgical intervention to relieve pressure on the median nerve.
Non-Surgical Treatment
For some individuals, non-surgical options such as wrist splints or local steroid injections may provide symptom relief, particularly if symptoms are not yet advanced.
Open Carpal Tunnel Release
This traditional approach involves a small incision in the palm, allowing the surgeon to access and release the transverse carpal ligament directly. This is a proven technique with a very high success rate and low complication profile.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
This minimally invasive technique uses a tiny camera (endoscope) to view the ligament as it is divided and allows for a smaller incision, which may result in reduced recovery time and less post-operative discomfort. Less commonly performed by UK surgeons; has a slightly increased complication rate over the traditional method.
Ultrasound-guided Incisionless Percutaneous Carpal Tunnel Release
A relatively new technique, this procedure involves using concurrent Ultrasound scanning to identify the structures of the carpal tunnel, and with a specially designed percutaneous needle implement, the ligament is carefully divided through a tiny skin entry point. No sutures are necessary after. This technique is potentially a game-changer in the field of carpal tunnel surgery, and is particularly suited to uncomplicated, carpal tunnel syndrome. Mr Goon is amongst the first surgeons in the UK to offer this type of surgery to his patients in the NHS.
The goal of each surgical procedure aims to relieve pressure on the median nerve and provide long-lasting symptom relief. Mr Goon will assess each patient’s specific condition to recommend the most suitable approach, whether open surgery or the minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided technique.
Many patients find lasting relief from pain and tingling after undergoing carpal tunnel syndrome surgery.
Benefits of Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Carpal tunnel surgery aims to relieve the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome by reducing pressure on and around the median nerve. This procedure offers several key benefits for patients experiencing moderate to severe symptoms.
- Relief from intermittent or persistent numbness and tingling
- Reduction in wrist pain and discomfort
- Improved hand strength and grip
- Enhanced ability to perform daily tasks without pain
- Prevention of further nerve damage and symptom progression
- Faster recovery with minimally invasive options like ultrasound-guided percutaneous surgery
Recovery and Aftercare
After carpal tunnel release surgery, patients typically need a brief period of rest to allow initial healing. The recovery process will vary depending on whether open or percutaneous surgery was performed, with percutaneous surgery generally allowing for a quicker return to normal activities.
- Wrist Support: A wrist splint may be recommended initially to support the wrist and reduce strain.
- Arm sling: Initially recommended for the first 3 days to combat swelling.
- Exercises: Gentle hand and wrist exercises can help restore movement and strength as healing progresses.
- Follow-Up Care: Regular follow-up appointments will ensure that recovery is on track and address any concerns.
- Gradual Return to Activities: Most patients can resume light daily tasks within a few days, though full recovery may take several weeks.
Mr Goon will provide personalised recovery guidance to help patients achieve the best possible outcome after surgery.
Why Choose UK Hand & Wrist Surgery
for Carpal Tunnel Treatment?
UK Hand & Wrist Surgery offers an expert approach to carpal tunnel treatment, led by Mr Patrick Goon, a Specialist Hand and Wrist Surgeon. With expertise in both open and percutaneous carpal tunnel release, Mr Goon provides patients with personalised care and advanced surgical techniques to address carpal tunnel syndrome effectively.
Whether you are dealing with early-stage symptoms or severe symptoms that require surgical intervention, our team is here to support you at every step, focusing on your recovery and long-term hand health.
Meet Mr Patrick Goon
Mr Goon, a highly trained Specialist Hand Surgeon, leads our clinic with expertise and a commitment to excellence in care. His experience spans a range of simple to complex procedures, from carpal tunnel release to wrist joint replacements and tendon repair. His focus on minimally invasive techniques supports optimal recovery and reduces post-operative discomfort, ensuring patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Find out more
Book an Appointment with Mr Goon
If you are suffering from a hand or wrist problem, please use the online form to contact us and arrange an appointment with Mr Goon. Alternatively, you can call us on 01707 443 444 or email us at Enquiries@hertfordshirehandsurgery.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I notice an immediate improvement after carpal tunnel surgery?
Most patients experience some relief shortly after surgery, though full recovery may take several weeks. As the carpal tunnel ligament is released, pressure on the median nerve is alleviated, gradually reducing symptoms over time. Presenting pain symptoms usually improve within the first few days, with paraesthesia resolving more gradually.
How long does it take for the surgical scar to heal?
The surgical scar is normally healed and waterproof by 2 weeks, but scar strength, maturation and pliability both within and without, will continue for weeks and up to 9 months, with the visible part fading significantly over time. Proper aftercare and following your specialist’s instructions can help minimise scar visibility. Percutaneous surgery will require no sutures, and skin healing is within days.
Are there risks involved with carpal tunnel surgery?
Like any surgery, carpal tunnel release carries some risks, including potential infection or excessive scar tissue formation. Specifically, nerve damage is also possible but very rare. Overall, carpal tunnel surgery is known to be very safe, when performed by experienced surgeons. Your surgeon will provide detailed aftercare guidance to reduce any post-operative complications.
Will I need physical therapy after carpal tunnel surgery?
In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to help restore strength and flexibility. Exercises can aid in the healing process, promote nerve gliding, and prevent stiffness near the surgical scar, supporting a smooth recovery.
Can carpal tunnel symptoms return after surgery?
Carpal tunnel release surgery is generally effective, but in rare cases, symptoms can reoccur. If symptoms return, it may be due to scar tissue or other factors affecting the carpal tunnel ligament, which often reforms as part of the natural healing process. For these reasons, follow-up care may be needed.
What Our Patients Say
Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
5th July 2024
I managed to dislocate one knuckle and badly break another knuckle in the same finger into multiple pieces, an injury which every Healthcare Professional that saw the X-ray told me was not only severe damage but also a particularly rare injury. Mr Goon and his team screwed the knuckle back together, which was particularly fiddly given the multiple small pieces.
After the operation I was given a number of exercises which were progressively added to over a series of regular appointments, both with Mr Goon and multiple Hand Therapists, to check and monitor my progress. I followed their instructions as closely as I could, both in frequency of exercising and how far to push the injury (I did want to actually recover fully after all, so why would I have not listened to the experts!), even though this was sometimes inconvenient or sore.
I’m delighted to say that I now have full use and movement of the finger and a scar which is unnoticeable unless you look very closely for it. Mr Goon and his team are all a credit to the NHS, not only due to their expertise, but all kept a very friendly and positive attitude at all times not just about the potential recovery but also with their general demeanor, were always supportive and happy to answer any question I had, even if I was worried they may have been obvious answers, and were always clear about the next steps I needed to take.
It’s also worth mentioning for anyone that may be critical of the NHS which is clearly currently under intense pressure based on the number of patients in the Hospital ever time I went in, I sustained the injury on a Wednesday evening, had the dislocation sorted at a Hospital walk-in clinic within 1.5 hours and had met the surgeon, gone through the options and procedure and was in surgery by Saturday morning. Mr Goon even came to see me himself and tell me how the procedure had gone as soon as I was fully awake. This shows what an amazing service the NHS actually provides, and I didn’t have to pay a penny.
The whole experience has far exceeded my expectations and I can only thank Mr Goon and his entire team for the amazing work that they have done to ensure my full recovery.
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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
3rd October 2024
I had an accident at work that led to part of my finger being cut off. Mr. Goon has been treating me, and thanks to his skill, I’ve actually got that part of my finger back, including the nail. Honestly didn’t think that’d be possible, especially not so soon. I’m really grateful to have had such a great doctor during such a rough time. It couldn’t have gone better. Joe Efford
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Written by a NHS patient at Lister Hospital
10th October 2024
I saw Dr Goon following an accident with a horse which resulted in numerous breakages in my thumb. Having had numerous visits and having experienced terrible pain I was not sure if Doctor Goon could help. How wrong I was, he was extremely good in every aspect of his work getting my pain under control pretty quickly. He reassured me, listening to my concerns and always made me feel completely at ease. He has a very positive attitude at all times with every visit exceeding my expectations. I will require further surgery but I am not concerned as I cannot fault the care from Mr Goon and his great team to date. I know I will be in safe hands. He is indeed “The Miracle Man”.
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