Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release in Cleveland, OH
Carpal tunnel syndrome can make even the simplest daily tasks—like typing, driving, or holding a cup of coffee—feel painful or impossible. When conservative treatments like bracing or injections no longer provide relief, surgery is often the most effective way to prevent permanent nerve damage.
Dr. Rodney Green specializes in Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release (ECTR). Unlike traditional “open” surgery that requires a large incision in the palm, this advanced technique allows Dr. Green to treat the source of your pain through a tiny, discreet incision at the wrist. This means less trauma to the hand, less post-operative pain, and a much faster return to the activities you love.
Why Choose the Endoscopic Approach?
Traditional carpal tunnel surgery involves a 2-inch incision across the palm, which can lead to “pillar pain” and a long recovery. The endoscopic method offers several superior benefits:
- Smaller Incision: The procedure is performed through a single, tiny incision (about 2 cm) at the wrist crease.
- Less Tissue Damage: Because the palm remains untouched, there is significantly less scarring and tenderness in the “grip” area of your hand.
- Faster Recovery: Most patients return to light daily activities and work much sooner than those who undergo traditional open surgery.
- Exceptional Visualization: Dr. Green uses a tiny camera (endoscope) to see the transverse carpal ligament clearly from the inside, ensuring a precise and safe release of the pressure on the median nerve.
Who Is a Candidate for ECTR?
If you are experiencing the following symptoms and they haven’t improved with non-surgical care, you may be a candidate for an endoscopic release:
- Numbness & Tingling: Frequent “pins and needles” in the thumb, index, and middle fingers.
- Nighttime Pain: Waking up with the need to “shake out” your hands to restore feeling.
- Weakness: Difficulty gripping objects or a tendency to drop things.
- Diagnostic Confirmation: Patients who have had an EMG or Nerve Conduction Study confirming compression of the median nerve. (This is not an absolute requirement if clinical findings are typical)
The Procedure: Precision in Minutes
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release is a straightforward outpatient procedure, typically taking about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Anesthesia: Performed under local anesthesia with light sedation (“twilight sleep”) to ensure you are comfortable and pain-free.
- The Technique: Dr. Green inserts a small tube (cannula) with a camera attached. Once the ligament causing the pressure is identified, a tiny blade within the device is used to release it.
- Closure: The single small incision is closed with several fine stitches and covered with a bulky bandage.
Recovery: Your Roadmap to Relief
- Immediate Use: You are encouraged to begin gentle finger movements immediately after surgery to prevent stiffness.
- The First 48 Hours: You will keep your hand elevated to minimize swelling. Most patients report an immediate “disappearance” of their pre-surgery nerve pain.
- Back to Routine: Most patients can drive within a couple of days and return to “light duty” work within 3 to 5 days.
- Full Strength: While the skin heals quickly, heavy lifting and strenuous repetitive motions are typically reintroduced at the 3-to-4-week mark.
- Numbness in the fingers will stop getting worse but may take months to fully recover if there is already some nerve damage before the procedure.
Important Note on Your Recovery & Results
Every individual’s body is unique, and as such, recovery timelines and the restoration of nerve sensation will vary from patient to patient. If the nerve was severely compressed for many years, it may take several months for the “numbness” to fully resolve as the nerve heals.
While Dr. Green and our team are here to support you every step of the way, your safety is a partnership. It is vital that you contact our office immediately at 440-449-8880 if you notice any unusual symptoms, such as excessive swelling, fever, or a change in the color of your fingertips. Early communication ensures we can provide the necessary guidance to keep your recovery on track.
Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release FAQs
Is the endoscopic method as effective as open surgery?
Yes. Long-term studies show that the success rate for relieving symptoms is identical to open surgery, but the short-term recovery is significantly faster and more comfortable.
Will I have a scar?
The incision is placed in the natural crease of your wrist. Once healed, the scar is typically so small it is difficult to see.
Can both hands be done at the same time?
While possible, Dr. Green generally recommends doing one hand at a time (usually about 2–4 weeks apart). This ensures you have one fully functional hand for personal care during the initial healing phase of the other.
Will the carpal tunnel come back?
Recurrence after a complete surgical release is extremely rare. Most patients enjoy a lifetime of relief after the procedure.
Consultation Checklist: Questions to Ask Dr. Green
- Based on my EMG results, is the endoscopic approach right for me?
- How soon can I return to my specific type of work?
- What exercises should I do at home to speed up my recovery?
- Are there any activities I should permanently avoid to protect my nerve health?
Achieve Your Dream Body With Our Experienced Surgical Team
We understand that your body is unique, and your goals for surgery are too. That’s why we offer a variety of surgical procedures to help you achieve your desired results.
Dr. Rodney Green is dedicated to providing you with the highest quality care and support. We will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your individual needs and expectations.
Call us at 440-449-8880 or email us at drgreen@dr-rodgreen.com to take the first step toward the body of your dreams. to take the first step toward the body of your dreams.