Carpal Tunnel (CTS)

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a problem that affects the wrist and hand. If you have CTS, tingling and numbness can make you even simple tasks hard to do. But CTS can be treated, and your symptoms can be controlled. Reading this will help you better understand what CTS is. You'll also learn how treatment can help.
Tingling and numbness are the most common symptoms of CTS. Some people also have hand pain or even a weakened grip. At first, symptoms may wake you up at night. Later, they may also occur during your daily routines. For instance, you may notice symptoms while you are driving, or holding a newspaper. Your symptoms may become more severe over time.
Another common problem is the inability to fully open the hand. This is known as Dupuytren's Contracture, a problem which afflicted President Reagan. This can also be treated in an outpatient basis so that you can fully open your hand.
The carpal tunnel is a narrow space inside the wrist. This space lets certain tendons and a major nerve pass from the forearm into the hand. Learning about the carpal tunnel can help you understand your symptoms and treatment.
Two types of surgery—open and endoscopic—are used to treat CTS. No matter which one you have, the goal remains the same: Your surgeon will relieve pressure on the median nerve. To do this, the transverse carpal ligament is cut (released). CTS usually takes 10 minutes or less. Dr. Worland does not advocate endoscopic releases, due to possible serious complications.

Endoscopic Surgery
With endoscopic surgery, one or two small incisions may be made in your hand. A scope (with a very small camera attached) and tools are inserted under the transverse carpal ligament. The surgeon then operates while watching images on a video screen.

Open Surgery
With open surgery, your surgeon makes one incision in your palm. Then he or she releases the transverse carpal ligament. Standard surgical tools are used.

Dr. Worland was the first certified hand surgeon in southern Oregon and has performed over 2000 successful hand surgeries. The vast majority are outpatient procedures.

With open surgery, your surgeon makes one incision in your palm. Then he or she releases the transverse carpal ligament. Standard surgical tooks are used.


With Endoscopic surgery, one or two small l incisions may be made in your hand. A scope (with a very small camera attached) and tools are inserted under the transverse carpal ligament. The surgeon then operates while watching images on a video screen.

Enter keywords below to search our site.