Carpal tunnel syndrome in Vienna

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition in which the median nerve is compressed in the carpal tunnel at the wrist. This compression can have various causes. Frequent strain and repeated wrist movements can lead to irritation and swelling. Anatomical factors, such as a narrow or unfavourably shaped carpal tunnel, can increase the risk of nerve compression.

Injuries, fractures or dislocations in the wrist area can lead to swelling and pressure on the nerve. Pregnant women sometimes experience temporary symptoms because of fluid retention and hormonal changes. Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus can also affect the carpal tunnel.

People with diabetes have an increased risk of carpal tunnel syndrome because of nerve damage. Hormonal changes, genetic factors and tumours or cysts in the wrist area can also contribute. Symptoms include tingling, numbness, pain and weakness in the fingers and hand. Treatment can range from avoiding triggering activities to medication, physiotherapy and, in advanced cases, surgery. It is important to identify the exact cause in order to develop the best possible treatment strategy.

Carpal tunnel surgery, also known as carpal tunnel release, is a surgical procedure that aims to reduce pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. These are the basic steps that can be carried out in such an operation:

The patient receives local anaesthesia or, in some cases, general anaesthesia to prevent pain during the operation. The surgeon makes a small incision at the wrist or in the palm to gain access to the carpal tunnel. Once the surgeon has access, he divides the tight band (flexor retinaculum) that forms the carpal tunnel. This creates more space in the tunnel and reduces the pressure on the nerve. When the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with stitches or staples, and a dressing is applied.

Dr. Handl & team use only minimally invasive methods with the smallest possible incisions.
The choice of a particular method depends on various factors, including the severity of the syndrome and the patient's anatomy.

After the operation, the patient may experience an improvement in symptoms such as tingling and pain in the fingers. It is important to note that healing can vary from person to person.

The success of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) surgery depends on several factors. A decisive aspect is timely diagnosis and intervention, which often means better chances of recovery in early stages. The surgeon's experience and skill also play a key role. An experienced surgeon chooses the appropriate surgical method and performs the procedure precisely.

Carpal tunnel surgery is one of the most frequently performed procedures in hand surgery and has a success rate of over 95 per cent. A recurrence of the symptoms is extremely rare, and in experienced hands the procedure carries hardly any risk of complications.

Dr. Handl in Vienna performs carpal tunnel surgery pain-free using the modern wide-awake technique, a special form of local anaesthesia. In the past, carpal tunnel surgery was performed with a pressure cuff on the upper arm to ensure a bloodless field. However, this caused painful pressure in the arm for patients during the operation. In the wide-awake technique, a drug is added to the anaesthetic that temporarily (for a few hours) narrows the blood vessels in the operating area. This allows a low-bleeding, clear view of all important anatomical structures during the procedure without the upper-arm tourniquet. As a result, patients experience the operation pain-free and relaxed, making the procedure gentler and less stressful overall.