mr suren jayaweera

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the thumb, index and middle fingers and is characterised by pain, weakness and paraesthesia (commonly known as "pins and needles"). It's caused by compression of the median nerve where it passes under a fibrous band at the base of the hand, called the transverse carpal ligament. Severe cases of carpal tunnel syndrome can result in permanent hand weakness. 

Surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome involves dividing this ligament, thus releasing the pressure on the nerve. Care must be taken to avoid injuring the nerve during the process. The procedure can be done under local anaesthesia as a day procedure.