(Editor’s note: This is a first column of what will be a regular feature of The Westside Express.)
Q. Should I have my carpal tunnel release done the traditional way or with a scope?
A. Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is excellent surgery for a patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. The older CTR method is called “open” and cuts the skin in the palm.
I use a newer method with an arthroscope, and it involves two 3/8-inch incisions. A meta-analysis of 13 studies presented at an American Hand Society meeting showed my two-incision scope procedure had better results during the six weeks of recovery.
The mini-procedure has previously often bruised the median nerve. However, my series of surgeries, involving more than 600 patients, has zero nerve bruises due to my special technique to monitor the patient while placing the scope.
Therefore, I highly recommend the mini two-incision procedure, but I suggest finding a surgeon with a lot of experience.
Dr. Walker Wynkoop, with Surgical Affiliates of California, is an orthopedic surgeon who lives and practices in Los Banos.
Which Carpel Tunnel Surgery is Better?
By Walker Wynkoop, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon
(Editor’s note: This is a first column of what will be a regular feature of The Westside Express.)
Q. Should I have my carpal tunnel release done the traditional way or with a scope?
A. Carpal tunnel release (CTR) is excellent surgery for a patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome. The older CTR method is called “open” and cuts the skin in the palm.
I use a newer method with an arthroscope, and it involves two 3/8-inch incisions. A meta-analysis of 13 studies presented at an American Hand Society meeting showed my two-incision scope procedure had better results during the six weeks of recovery.
The mini-procedure has previously often bruised the median nerve. However, my series of surgeries, involving more than 600 patients, has zero nerve bruises due to my special technique to monitor the patient while placing the scope.
Therefore, I highly recommend the mini two-incision procedure, but I suggest finding a surgeon with a lot of experience.
Dr. Walker Wynkoop, with Surgical Affiliates of California, is an orthopedic surgeon who lives and practices in Los Banos.
