Carpal tunnel open release is the traditional procedure used to correct carpal tunnel syndrome. It consists of making an incision up to two inches in the wrist and then cutting the carpal ligament to enlarge the carpal tunnel. This type of carpal tunnel procedure is generally done under local anesthesia on an outpatient basis, unless there are unusual medical considerations.

On the otherhand, carpal tunnel endoscopic release may allow faster functional recovery and less postoperative discomfort. The surgeon makes two incisions (about 1/2" each) in the wrist and palm, inserts a camera attached to a tube, observes the tissue on a screen and cuts the carpal ligament. This kind of carpal tunnel procedure is two-portal where it is generally performed under local anesthesia. It is effective and minimizes scarring even scar tenderness, if there is any.

Over 200, 000 cases in the United States have been documented going through carpal tunnel procedure; thus, making it among the most common surgery of the hand.

Until now, the decision whether to have either of the carpal tunnel procedures to correct the syndrome has been puzzling a lot of patients. Electrodiagnostic tests for nerve conduction, ultrasound examination and magnetic resonance imaging scans are used to determine severity. However, there are no tests that can fully determine which patients will benefit most from which of the carpal tunnel procedure.

Here are the findings of candidates that are less likely to respond to conservative therapy and might end up benefiting more from the carpal tunnel procedure Older than 50 years.Symptoms have lasted 10 months or longer. Continual numbness. The muscles in the base of the palm have begun to atrophy (shrink). Symptoms occur within 30 seconds during a Phalen's test.

A study conducted in 2002 revealed that if one of those factors mentioned above are present, then conservative therapy, such as wearing wrist splints and taking anti- inflammatory agents, are effective in about two- thirds of the candidates. It was also found that the traditional approach was not proven effective in some of 60 patients if only one of those said factors were present.

Not only those with carpal tunnel syndrome need to know but also the general public that carpal tunnel procedure does not totally cure the syndrome. There is the notion that because the carpal ligament is permanently cut, some wrist strength is lost. A lot of orthopedic specialists suggest aggressive conventional treatment before choosing the more invasive option.