WebMD
Font Size
A
A
A

Carpal tunnel release surgery

Illustration copyright 2002 Nucleus Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.nucleusinc.com

Carpal tunnel release surgery is used to reduce the pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. This is done by cutting the ligament that forms the top of the carpal tunnel. Cutting this ligament relieves pressure on the median nerve. Any other tissue (such as a tumor) that may be putting pressure on the median nerve can also be removed during surgery.

Primary Medical Reviewer William M. Green, MD
- Emergency Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer David Pichora, MD, FRCSC
- Orthopedic Surgery
Last Updated November 3, 2006

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: November 03, 2006
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.