What surgical procedure is often performed for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel release surgery is the standard surgical procedure performed for carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition occurs when the median nerve, which runs through the wrist's carpal tunnel, becomes compressed, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand and fingers.

The purpose of carpal tunnel release surgery is to alleviate the pressure on the median nerve. During the procedure, the transverse carpal ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel is cut, creating more space and reducing pressure on the nerve. This often leads to a reduction in symptoms and can restore function in the affected hand.

In contrast, arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure usually employed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in various joint issues but is not specifically indicated for treating carpal tunnel syndrome. Tendon repair surgery addresses injuries or tears in tendons, but it is not a primary treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. Joint fusion surgery is performed to join two or more bones together in the joint to provide stability, typically for conditions such as arthritis, rather than for nerve compression issues like carpal tunnel syndrome.