Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Surgery and Cubital Tunnel Surgery
Experience the benefits of our innovative surgical methods and our dedication to your health and comfort, and don’t let hand and nerve pain hold you back any longer
At the Handcenter of Boca & Delray, we recognize the significant impact that hand and nerve conditions can have on your everyday activities. We are committed to offering state-of-the-art, minimally invasive surgical treatments for carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes.
What is carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes?
Carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes are common conditions that affect the nerves in your arms and hands, causing discomfort and functional problems.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm into the palm of your hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. This compression typically leads to numbness, tingling, and weakness in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring fingers. Repetitive hand movements, such as typing or using vibrating tools, are often the culprits behind this condition.
Cubital tunnel syndrome, on the other hand, involves the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inside of your elbow and down to your fingers. When this nerve is compressed or irritated at the elbow, it can cause numbness and tingling in the ring and little fingers, as well as pain in the forearm and weakness in the hand. This condition is often related to prolonged elbow bending or resting your elbow on hard surfaces. Both conditions can be managed with lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, minimally invasive surgery to relieve nerve compression.
What is Minimally invasive carpal cubital tunnel surgery?
Minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery involves making a small incision in the wrist to relieve pressure on the median nerve. This procedure is typically quicker and results in less scarring and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
Minimally invasive cubital tunnel surgery involves a small incision to decompress the ulnar nerve. This method is less traumatic than traditional surgery, offering a quicker return to daily activities.
Key Benefits:
- Smaller Incisions: Leads to minimal visible scarring.
- Quicker Recovery: Patients typically resume activities faster.
- Less Pain: Reduced tissue damage means less post-operative discomfort.
Recognizing the Signs & Symptoms
Numbness and Tingling
The most common symptom is a feeling of numbness or tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. This sensation often starts gradually and may come and go initially. Many people describe it as a "pins and needles" feeling, similar to when your hand falls asleep.
Weakness and Clumsiness
As CTS progresses, you might notice weakness in your hand, especially in the thumb. You may find it difficult to grip objects or perform fine motor tasks like buttoning a shirt. Some people report dropping objects more frequently.
Pain and Discomfort
Pain in the wrist, palm, or forearm is common, especially with prolonged use. The pain may extend up to the elbow and even to the shoulder in some cases. Night-time pain is particularly characteristic of CTS, often severe enough to disrupt sleep.
Shock-like Sensations
Some individuals experience sudden, sharp pains that shoot through the wrist and up the arm.
Temperature Changes
Your hand might feel unusually warm or cold compared to the rest of your body.
Difficulty with Certain Movements
Activities that involve bending the wrist, like typing or holding a phone, may exacerbate symptoms. Some people find relief by "shaking out" their hands.
Symptoms Worsen Over Time
Initially, symptoms may come and go, but as the condition progresses, they tend to become more constant. Without treatment, symptoms typically worsen, potentially leading to permanent nerve damage.
Morning Stiffness
Many people with CTS report stiffness in their hands upon waking, which may improve with movement throughout the day.
Our dedicated team strives to provide personalized care, Utilizing the latest techniques and a compassionate approach to promote quicker healing, less pain, and superior outcomes for restoring hand functionality and enhancing your quality of life.
Non-Surgical Treatments
When dealing with carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndrome, many patients find relief through non-surgical treatments. These conservative approaches can be effective, especially when the condition is diagnosed early. Here's an overview of common non-surgical options:
Rest and Activity Modification
Giving your affected hand and arm a break from repetitive motions can help reduce inflammation.
This might involve taking short breaks during work or adjusting how you perform certain tasks.
Splinting or Bracing
Wearing a splint or brace, particularly at night, can help keep the affected joint in a neutral position.
This reduces pressure on the nerve and can alleviate symptoms, especially nighttime discomfort.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can teach you exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles in your hand, wrist, and arm.
These exercises can help improve flexibility, reduce pressure on the nerves, and prevent further injury.
Ergonomic Adjustments
Making changes to your workspace or tools can significantly reduce strain.
This might include adjusting your chair height, keyboard position, or using ergonomically designed tools.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation. In some cases, your doctor might prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory medications.
Corticosteroid Injections
For more severe symptoms, a corticosteroid injection into the affected area can provide significant, though often temporary, relief by reducing inflammation around the nerve.
Lifestyle Changes
Maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and managing conditions like diabetes can help reduce pressure on the nerves and improve overall symptoms.
Alternative Therapies
Some patients find relief through acupuncture, yoga, or chiropractic care, though scientific evidence for these treatments is limited.
Ultrasound Therapy
This treatment uses sound waves to generate heat in the affected area, potentially reducing pain and promoting healing.
While these non-surgical treatments can be very effective, it's important to get a consultultation for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. If symptoms persist or worsen despite conservative treatments, surgical options may need to be considered.
Surgical Treatments
When non-surgical treatments fail to provide adequate relief, surgical intervention may be necessary for carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndromes. These procedures aim to relieve pressure on the affected nerves, alleviating symptoms and preventing further nerve damage.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery Options:
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause numbness, tingling, and weakness in your hand, making everyday tasks challenging. Our minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery offers a quick and effective solution to relieve pressure on the median nerve, allowing you to regain full use of your hand with minimal scarring and a faster recovery.
Open Carpal Tunnel Release
This traditional approach involves making a small incision in the palm to cut the transverse carpal ligament, relieving pressure on the median nerve. It provides excellent visualization but may require a longer recovery time.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release
A minimally invasive technique using a tiny camera and specialized instruments. It involves smaller incisions, potentially leading to faster recovery and less post-operative pain. However, it requires specialized equipment and expertise.
Mini-Open Release
A hybrid technique combining elements of open and endoscopic approaches, offering a balance between visualization and minimal tissue disruption.
Cubital Tunnel Surgery Options:
Cubital tunnel syndrome, often resulting in pain and numbness in the elbow and hand, can significantly interfere with your work and hobbies. Our advanced minimally invasive cubital tunnel surgery targets the ulnar nerve, reducing symptoms and helping you return to your normal activities sooner.
In-Situ Decompression
This procedure involves releasing the fibrous arcade over the ulnar nerve at the elbow, without moving the nerve itself. It's suitable for milder cases and has a relatively quick recovery time.
Anterior Transposition
The ulnar nerve is moved to a new position in front of the medial epicondyle. This can be subcutaneous (just under the skin), submuscular (under the muscle), or intramuscular (within the muscle). It's often used for more severe cases or when simpler approaches have failed.
Medial Epicondylectomy
This involves removing part of the medial epicondyle of the humerus to prevent the ulnar nerve from being stretched or compressed when the elbow is bent.
General Considerations:
- Most of these surgeries are outpatient procedures performed under local or regional anesthesia.
- Recovery times vary depending on the procedure and individual factors, but generally range from a few weeks to a few months.
- Physical therapy is often recommended post-surgery to regain strength and flexibility.
- Success rates are generally high, with most patients experiencing significant symptom relief.
It's crucial to discuss these options to determine the most appropriate approach based on your specific condition, lifestyle, and overall health. The choice of procedure will depend on factors such as the severity of symptoms, and nerve damage extent.
Treatment Process
1. Initial Consultation
We'll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. This is your opportunity to ask questions and express any concerns. We'll perform a preliminary examination of your hand and arm to assess your condition.
2. Diagnosis
We use a combination of physical examination, medical history, and diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose your condition. This may include nerve conduction studies, electromyography (EMG), or imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to rule out other conditions and determine the severity of nerve compression.
3. Treatment Plan Based on Your Diagnosis
We'll develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include conservative treatments like splinting, physical therapy, and medication, or surgical options if necessary. We'll discuss the benefits and risks of each approach to help you make an informed decision.
4. Procedure Details
If surgery is recommended, we'll explain the procedure in detail. This includes discussing the type of surgery (open or endoscopic for carpal tunnel, or the various options for cubital tunnel), anesthesia, expected duration, and what to expect on the day of surgery. We'll also provide pre-operative instructions to ensure you're fully prepared.
5. Recovery and Rehabilitation After Treatment
We'll guide you through the recovery process. This includes wound care instructions, pain management strategies, and a timeline for returning to daily activities. We'll also develop a rehabilitation plan, which may involve physical therapy to restore strength and function to your hand and arm. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed.
Post-Treatment Care
Proper post-treatment care is crucial for optimal recovery and long-term success, whether you've undergone conservative treatments or surgical intervention for carpal tunnel or cubital tunnel syndrome.
Immediate Post-Surgical Care:
Wound Care
Keep the surgical site clean and dry. Follow your surgeon's instructions for changing dressings and watch for signs of infection like increased redness, swelling, or discharge.
Pain Management
For pain management, it is important to take prescribed medications exactly as instructed. Additionally, elevating the arm that is affected can aid in minimizing swelling and alleviating pain.
Limited Activity
Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activities involving the treated arm for several weeks post-surgery.
Splinting
You may need to wear a splint to protect the surgical site and maintain proper positioning during initial healing.
Rehabilitation:
Physical Therapy
Start gentle exercises as soon as your doctor approves. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
Gradual Return to Activities
Slowly reintroduce daily activities, being mindful not to overexert yourself. Your doctor will provide guidelines for returning to work and other activities.
Ergonomic Adjustments
Implement ergonomic changes at work and home to prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Long Term Care:
Regular Exercise
Continue with prescribed exercises to maintain strength and flexibility in your hand and arm.
Posture Awareness
Maintain good posture to prevent unnecessary strain on your nerves and muscles.
Work Modifications
Use ergonomic tools and take regular breaks during repetitive tasks.
Health Management
Control underlying conditions like diabetes or obesity that can contribute to nerve compression.
Follow-Up Appointments
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your recovery progress.
Non-Surgical Post-Treatment Care:
Consistent Use of Splints
If prescribed, wear splints as directed, especially during sleep or activities that aggravate symptoms.
Medication Adherence
Take any prescribed medications consistently and as directed.
Lifestyle Modifications
Implement and maintain recommended changes to your daily routines and work habits.
Regular Monitoring
Keep track of your symptoms and report any changes to your healthcare provider.
Remember, recovery times vary among individuals. Be patient with your body's healing process and communicate regularly.
If you experience worsening symptoms or new concerns during your recovery, please contact us promptly.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Carpal Tunnel & Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Surgery FAQ
Minimally Invasive Cubital Tunnel Surgery FAQ
Why Choose Dr. Nadler
Dr. Nadler has extensive experience in performing minimally invasive procedures with high success rates. Using State-of-the-Art Technology and utilizing the latest surgical techniques and equipment to ensure the best outcomes for our patients.
Call Today for your to discuss your carpal and cubital tunnel option
(561) 476-0869
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Ready to take the first step towards pain relief and improved hand function? Call us today to schedule a consultation.
Our expert team is here to provide you with the best care and help you return to your daily activities with minimal downtime. Reach out to us today to start your journey to recovery.