Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Surgery in New Jersey
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Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery in NJ
Carpal tunnel surgery, also known as carpal tunnel release, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pressure on the median nerve inside the wrist. When this nerve becomes compressed within the carpal tunnel, a narrow passage formed by bones and ligaments, it can cause ongoing numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness in the hand and fingers.
At Alliance Orthopedics, our hand and wrist specialists in New Jersey focus on minimally invasive carpal tunnel release techniques that reduce nerve pressure while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue. By carefully releasing the ligament compressing the nerve through a small incision, this approach helps relieve symptoms, protect nerve function, and support a faster, more comfortable recovery. Our hand and wrist care is always personalized to help you return to your daily activities and get better every day.Â
Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Surgery Benefits
Minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery is highly effective at relieving symptoms caused by median nerve compression while offering advantages over traditional open surgery. Many patients experience symptom relief quickly, along with less postoperative discomfort and a shorter recovery period. By addressing nerve compression early, this procedure also helps reduce the risk of permanent nerve damage and long-term hand weakness.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Release
- Relief from numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and fingers
- Smaller incision with minimal soft tissue disruption
- Improved hand strength, dexterity, and grip function
- Reduced postoperative discomfort and scarring
- Faster return to work and everyday activities
- Protection against long-term nerve damage
Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Surgery Candidates
Carpal tunnel surgery is recommended for patients whose symptoms interfere with daily activities and have not improved with nonsurgical treatments such as splinting or steroid injections. Candidates often experience persistent and ongoing numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in their hands and fingers.
Candidates for Carpal Tunnel Surgery
- Ongoing numbness or tingling in the fingers or hand
- Weakness or loss of grip strength
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks, such as buttoning or writing
- Hand or wrist pain, especially at night
- Diagnostic testing that confirms median nerve compression
- Little or no improvement after at least six months of nonsurgical care
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Choose Alliance Orthopedics for care that revolves around you. We listen, collaborate, and create a custom orthopedic treatment plan that fits your life, your goals, and your recovery!
Preparing for Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Before carpal tunnel surgery, your hand and wrist surgeon will review your medical history and discuss any medications you take. You may need to stop taking certain medications before the procedure. Follow pre-surgery instructions, arrange for transportation home, and ask about recovery expectations to help promote the best possible outcome and surgical experience.Â
Patient Preparation Checklist
- Discuss your medical history, medications, and allergies with your surgeon
- Stop certain medications if advised by your doctor
- Arrange for transportation after your procedure
- Prepare your home for limited hand use during recovery
- Follow hygiene and wound-care instructions before surgery
- Ask your care team any questions before your procedure
- Plan time off work and limit hand activities after surgery
How is Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Surgery Performed?
Minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. During the surgery, a small incision is made in the wrist to access the transverse carpal ligament. One of our hand and wrist surgeons carefully cuts this ligament to relieve pressure on the median nerve, which is responsible for the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.Â
Our hand and wrist specialists in New Jersey use a minimally invasive approach to perform surgery, inserting a thin, flexible tube with a camera (endoscope) through a small wrist incision to provide a clear view of the carpal tunnel. This approach typically results in less postoperative pain, smaller scars, and a faster recovery compared to open surgery. After the procedure, the incision is closed, and the hand is bandaged. Most patients experience symptom relief soon after the procedure and can start gentle hand exercises shortly following surgery.
Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Surgery Recovery
Recovery following minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery is typically quicker and more comfortable than with open procedures. Mild swelling, soreness, or stiffness in the hand and wrist is common but usually temporary. Many patients can return to light activities within days, particularly if the surgery was performed on the non-dominant hand.
A splint or bandage is often worn for one to two weeks and removed during a follow-up visit. Your doctor may recommend gentle hand exercises or physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and coordination. Strenuous or repetitive hand activities may need to be limited for several weeks to support proper healing.
What to Expect After Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Most patients notice a significant reduction in numbness, tingling, and nighttime pain shortly after surgery. As swelling decreases and the nerve continues to heal, grip strength and hand coordination typically improve. While recovery timelines vary, many people can resume daily activities sooner because the procedure is minimally invasive. Your surgeon will monitor your progress and guide your return to work, hobbies, and exercise based on your individual recovery.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery FAQs
Minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery takes around 20 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis. Most patients go home the same day and can begin gentle hand movements shortly after surgery.
You may feel mild soreness or tightness for a few days, but most patients describe the discomfort as manageable. Pain is usually controlled with over-the-counter or prescribed medication, and symptoms improve quickly as the incision heals.
Heavy lifting, forceful gripping, and repetitive wrist movements should be avoided for several weeks. Your surgeon or physical therapist will help guide a gradual return to activity.
Many patients experience relief from tingling and nighttime pain almost immediately after surgery, while others notice gradual improvement as swelling subsides and the nerve begins to heal. Full sensation and strength can take several weeks to return, depending on the severity of nerve compression before surgery. Your surgeon will closely monitor your recovery timeline to ensure steady progress in your healing.
Why Choose Alliance Orthopedics?
When you choose Alliance Orthopedics for carpal tunnel surgery in New Jersey, you’re placing your care in expert hands. Our fellowship-trained hand and wrist specialists are highly experienced in performing carpal tunnel release surgery using minimally invasive techniques, which help you recover quickly and provide relief from your symptoms.
From your first consultation, our team listens to your concerns, answers your questions, and guides you through each step of the process. With convenient orthopedic clinics throughout NJ and a reputation for patient-focused, multidisciplinary care, Alliance Orthopedics makes it easier for you to restore your hand function and get better every day. Choose Alliance Orthopedics for top-tier, patient-focused orthopedic care you can trust.
Hand and Wrist Specialists in New Jersey
Our hand and wrist specialists in New Jersey provide expert surgical and non-surgical care for carpal tunnel syndrome and other wrist conditions. Our surgeons are dedicated to helping you regain comfort, strength, and control with hand and wrist treatments tailored to your lifestyle and goals.
Orthopedic Clinics in New Jersey
Alliance Orthopedics offers minimally invasive carpal tunnel surgery and hand and wrist treatments at multiple locations across New Jersey, including Fair Lawn, Freehold, Old Bridge, and Middletown. Each clinic provides comprehensive orthopedic services and personalized recovery programs designed to help you heal and move better every day.
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