There are three nerves that provide function to the hand: the median, radial, and ulnar nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs through a tight passage in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed. This pressure can cause numbness, tingling, or pain, most commonly in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. Over time, the condition may also lead to weakness in the hand, making simple tasks more challenging and frustrating. To relieve this discomfort, a carpal tunnel release procedure is often recommended. During surgery, the ligament over the median nerve is opened, which helps restore sensation and function in the hand.
Before jumping to surgery, though, it’s important to confirm the diagnosis. Carpal tunnel syndrome is often diagnosed through a nerve conduction study or electromyography (EMG). These tests assess the function of the median nerve, ensuring that surgery is the right solution for your symptoms. It’s not something to self-diagnose or rush into without proper investigation.
If surgery is the best option, it can be done in one of two ways: open surgery or endoscopic surgery. Open surgery involves a larger incision, while the endoscopic approach uses smaller cuts, often resulting in quicker recovery for some patients. Both techniques, however, have been proven to effectively relieve symptoms.
As with any surgical procedure, carpal tunnel release comes with some risks. While uncommon, these may include infection, wrist stiffness, nerve injury, or incomplete symptom relief. Most patients experience significant improvement, but like all surgeries, outcomes can vary.
How long does the surgery take?
Approximately 30 minutes.
What is the recovery time?
The recovery time depends on the duration of symptoms. It may take weeks to months to notice an improvement in symptoms.
Stenosing tenosynovitis, commonly known as trigger finger, occurs when the tendon in a finger catches on the lining surrounding it. This can cause the finger to lock in a bent or extended position, often accompanied by a painful thick nodule that can be felt at the base of the finger. Trigger finger is more common in individuals with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis because both conditions cause inflammation and tissue changes that thicken the tendon sheaths.
Initial treatment usually involves corticosteroid injections at the affected site to reduce inflammation and allow smoother movement of the tendon. However, if this conservative treatment doesn't provide relief, surgery may be recommended to release the affected tendon.
A trigger finger release is a minimally invasive procedure where a small incision is made over the tendon, and the narrowed sheath is opened. This allows the tendon to move freely, improving the function of the finger.
While this surgery is generally effective, it's important to know that trigger finger can sometimes recur, even after surgical treatment. The full recovery of function—especially in terms of grip strength and range of motion—varies from individual to individual and may take up to a few months for some patients.
How long does the surgery take?
Approximately 15 minutes.
What is the recovery time?
Approximately 6 weeks.
A distal radius fracture, also known as a Colles fracture or Smith fracture, occurs when the radius, one of the two main bones in the forearm, breaks near the wrist joint. These wrist injuries tend to occur due to falls where a person lands on an outstretched hand, or through direct impacts.
Because distal radius fractures can cause severe displacement, often involving the wrist joint, surgery is frequently recommended, however, not all wrist fractures require surgery. For more straightforward breaks, non-surgical options can be a safe and effective route.
One such non-surgical option is closed reduction and casting. In this approach, the broken bone is manually manipulated into its correct position without making an incision. Once the bone is aligned, a cast or splint is applied to immobilize the wrist. This method works well for stable fractures that haven’t shifted significantly.
For fractures that require more advanced intervention, several surgical options are available, and your surgeon will determine the best course of action based on the specifics of your injury.
Some common procedures for these wrist fractures include:
After any type of wrist surgery, patients can expect a period of immobilization followed by gradual rehabilitation through physical therapy. The healing process varies based on the severity of the injury and the surgical approach taken; it can take up to 12 weeks for the bones to heal, however, it may take months to regain lost wrist strength and mobility.
Regardless of the treatment path, our focus is on your long-term health and ensuring the best possible outcome. Whether surgery or a non-surgical approach is recommended, we’ll work closely with you to promote optimal recovery and help you return to your daily activities as safely and quickly as possible.
How long does wrist surgery take?
1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity.
How long does it take to heal from wrist surgery?
Healing after distal radius fracture surgery can take anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks, but full recovery (including regaining wrist strength and mobility) may take several months.
At Ortho Westmount, we prioritize the use of minimally invasive procedures to reduce scarring, minimize tissue damage, and promote faster recovery times, however, minimally invasive techniques aren’t always the right option for every patient. The suitability of these procedures depends largely on the complexity of the injury or condition. In cases where the damage is extensive or involves intricate structures within the joint, open surgery may be necessary to provide the best long-term results.
Even with minimally invasive techniques, there are risks involved, as with any surgery. Potential complications include nerve injury, infection, or, in rare cases, the need for additional procedures if the initial surgery does not fully resolve the issue.
Our priority is to carefully evaluate each case and recommend the approach that will provide the best outcome for your specific situation.
For general pricing information about the upper extremity surgeries offered at Ortho Westmount, consult the table of our minimum operating fees below. For specific information about the cost of orthopedic surgery for your specific procedure, call 514-932-6455 or complete our patient questionnaire to get started.
Your questions and concerns have most likely been asked and answered in our support group. We provide you with reliable patient education and resources to help you throughout this life-changing process.
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