Do I Need to Wear a Splint after I Have My Carpal Tunnel Release?

You may have family or friends that had a carpal tunnel release procedure. Most likely they were placed into a splint for the early days of the healing process after the surgery.

This is actually quite common, since most carpal tunnel releases performed in the United States are done through an “open” incision in the palm. Because of the larger incision and the location of the incision, open carpal tunnel release is more painful, requires suture, and requires longer healing time. To avoid problems with the incision, a splint is placed for 10 days or 2 weeks after the procedure.

But ultrasound technology has changed all of this!

Raleigh, North Carolina carpal tunnel specialist Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD treats carpal tunnel syndrome with ultra minimally invasive release under ultrasound guidance. This requires only a very small (5 mm, about the size of a pea) poke incision on the wrist, not the palm. This poke incision does not require suture and heals much quicker than an incision in the palm. Because of this, Dr. Nelson does not need to place carpal tunnel patients into a splint after their procedure.

That is right, after ultrasound-guided carpal tunnel release, no splint is necessary!

While Dr. Nelson will place a small, light soft dressing on the hand and wrist, this is removed 1 or 2 days after the procedure. Because it is soft and light, you are able to perform important activities right away: Eating, drinking, dressing, bathroom, hygiene, etc. After the dressing is removed, you may wash your hands and take a shower and get clean water on the site of the surgery.

If you are concerned about how long it will take you to heal after carpal tunnel release surgery, call 919-872-5296 today to schedule a visit with Dr. Johnny T. Nelson, MD, North Carolina carpal tunnel expert!