Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)

The carpal tunnel is an osteofibrous tunnel through which 9 finger tendons and the median nerve pass. Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by numbness and a reduced sense of touch (hypoesthesia) in the thumb, the index, the middle finger and the radial surface of the ring finger, namely in 3.5 fingers. Other symptoms include worsening pain, inability to hold anything in one’s hand and waking up at night. The syndrome is caused by the compression of the median nerve in the wrist area. Factors that predispose the patient to the disease are repetitive hand movements, pregnancy, hypothyroidism and cyst or tumor development in the wrist area. All of these factors are evaluated and taken into account. Specific clinical laboratory testing is required to diagnose the syndrome. Treatment can either be conservative or surgical, depending on the stage of the syndrome. Conservative treatment, which includes medication and splinting, can be applied in mild cases. Carpal tunnel decompression surgery is performed, in cases when surgical treatment is required. During the surgery, the transverse carpal ligament is cut to lift the pressure off the median nerve. There are two main types of surgical approaches: the external and the endoscopic approach. If the external approach is chosen, the carpal tunnel is opened through a small incision on the base of the palm in order to relieve the pressure on the median nerve. The endoscopic surgery is performed using an endoscopic tool equipped with an automatic micro-knife. Only a small incision is made on the wrist fold area.

Brief description of the procedure

This procedure requires local or regional anesthesia. After choosing the appropriate method (external or endoscopic), the carpal tunnel is decompressed by cutting the transverse carpal ligament in order to lift the pressure off the median nerve. Then, the incision is closed and covered with the right bandage. Dr. Varnalidis specializes in both the external and the endoscopic approach and chooses the most appropriate one each time, based on the particularities and the severity of each case.

Safeguarding your health is my number one priority.

Dr. Varnalidis always discusses and explains each procedure step by step. He also offers extensive post-surgery advice and is here to answer any question you might have, so that a smooth recovery and the best functional and aesthetic outcome are achieved.