Carpal tunnel release is an orthopaedic surgery in which the transverse carpal ligament is cut to release pressure on the median nerve and to get relief from the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. This surgery is suggested when other nonsurgical treatments are failing or in the case where symptoms are very severe.

Carpal tunnel release procedure is performed under the influence of general anaesthesia. Your orthopaedic surgeon will make an incision at the base of your palm, to see the transverse carpal ligament. Now, after getting access to the ligament it is cut. Finally, the skin is closed with stitches and he gap where the ligament was cut is left alone. It will fill up eventually with scar tissue.

The pain and numbness may take time to go away after the surgery and the stitches will be removed after 1 to 2 weeks. It will 6 to 8 weeks to get back to work and complete recovery after carpal tunnel release will take up to 3 months. However, if you had an endoscopic surgery, it will take less recovery time.

Complication of carpal tunnel release surgery may include pain, tenderness around the scar, and reactions with anaesthesia.