According MayoClinic.com, the carpal tunnel is a narrow, tunnel-like structure in the wrist. The bottom and sides of the tunnel are formed by bones and the top of the tunnel is covered by the transverse carpal ligament, which is a thick band of fibrous tissue. In severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, a surgeon may need to cut the transverse carpal ligament in order to open the carpal tunnel and relieve nerve compression. Although this procedure is fairly safe, complications may occur.
Nerve Injury
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS, states that nerve injury may occur during carpal tunnel surgery. The median nerve is a large nerve that runs from the arm to the hand, and is affected by carpal tunnel narrowing. The median nerve is in close proximity to the transverse carpal ligament that the surgeon is cutting during carpal tunnel surgery. This increases the risk of damage to the median nerve, which may be permanent. Thus, a patient experiencing worse or continuing pain, weakness, numbness or tingling after surgery should immediately inform a doctor. Furthermore, a patient must be sure to choose a surgeon who is experienced in performing carpal tunnel surgery to decrease the risk of serious complications.
Infection
The AAOS states that the wound site may become infected after carpal tunnel surgery. This occurs because bacteria live on the skin of the patient, surgical tools and on the surgeons. Although the wound site, surgical tools and surgeon are sterilized, there is no way to kill 100 percent of bacteria. At times, small amount of bacteria can enter the wound and cause an infection. Bacteria can infect the skin, wrist joint or spread to the rest of the body through the blood. A patient should immediately let his doctor know if he is experiencing excessive pain, redness, warmth or drainage from the wound site. Furthermore, he should let his doctor know if he is experiencing signs of a systemic infection that includes fever, chills and night sweats. Early recognition of an infection combined with early treatment is important in reducing the severity of the infection.
Excessive Bleeding
Excessive bleeding may occur after carpal tunnel surgery, states the AAOS. This happens when a large blood vessel is punctured during surgery, resulting in excessive bleeding. In other cases, the patient may have a condition in which she has difficulty forming blood clots. In either case, a patient will note excessive hand swelling after surgery, and blood may ooze from the surgical site. A patient must immediately let her doctor know that bleeding has not stopped after surgery. The surgeon will decide which method of treatment is necessary to control excessive bleeding.
Member Comments