When carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness, tingling, or pain that interferes with sleep, work, or daily activities, surgery may be an effective way to relieve pressure on the median nerve and protect hand function.
At Slocum Orthopedics in Eugene, Oregon, our fellowship-trained, board-certified hand and wrist experts offer minimally invasive, one-incision endoscopic carpal tunnel release, most often using local anesthesia. For many patients, this can be performed on both hands during the same visit.
What is Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery?
Carpal tunnel release is a surgical procedure designed to relieve this pressure on the median nerve inside the carpal tunnel. At Slocum, this can be done through either an endoscopic or open approach. In most cases, our surgeons perform a one-incision endoscopic release, which uses a small camera and specialized instruments to treat the compressed nerve through a single incision in the wrist.
Minimally Invasive Carpal Tunnel Treatment
Slocum’s hand and wrist surgeons focus on techniques that prioritize comfort, safety, and a quicker return to daily life. Key features of our approach include:
- One-incision endoscopic technique for most patients
- Local anesthesia in many cases, rather than general anesthesia
- Ability to perform surgery on both hands at the same visit, when appropriate
- A strong option for older patients or those with complex medical conditions who may wish to avoid general anesthesia
Your surgeon will discuss whether an endoscopic or open release is best for your specific situation.
Nonsurgical Options for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Not all patients with carpal tunnel syndrome need surgery. Many people experience improvement with simple, nonsurgical treatments, especially in the early stages. Your Slocum specialist may recommend:
- Nighttime wrist splints to keep the wrist in a neutral position while you sleep and reduce pressure on the median nerve
- Steroid injections into the carpal tunnel for temporary relief in certain situations, including pregnancy
If symptoms are more advanced or do not improve with these measures, your surgeon may recommend carpal tunnel release.
Is Carpal Tunnel Release Right for You?
Carpal tunnel release may be recommended when:
- Numbness, tingling, or pain are persistent or worsening
- Symptoms disrupt sleep or make it difficult to drive or perform day-to-day tasks
- There is weakness or loss of strength in the thumb
- There are signs of thenar muscle atrophy or more advanced nerve compression
If you’re considering carpal tunnel release surgery, the next step is to consult with a Slocum orthopedic specialist. Our hand & wrist team supports patients from across the Willamette Valley, helping them understand their options and make informed treatment decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Can I Expect From Surgery and Recovery?
Your surgeon and care team will provide specific instructions before and after your procedure, but in general:
- Carpal tunnel release at Slocum is usually performed using local anesthesia, and many patients are able to have both hands treated during the same appointment when recommended.
- The procedure is designed to relieve pressure on the median nerve so symptoms such as numbness and tingling can improve.
- Many patients are able to wash their hands the same day as surgery.
- Healing typically occurs over the following weeks, and your surgeon will guide you on activity changes and follow-up care.
Will I need surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome?
Not everyone with carpal tunnel syndrome needs surgery. Many patients find relief with nighttime splints or a steroid injection, especially when symptoms are mild. Surgery is usually considered when symptoms are more severe, have been present for a longer time, or have not improved with nonsurgical treatments. Your Slocum specialist will help you decide whether continued conservative care or carpal tunnel release is best for you.
Do I need a nerve conduction study before seeing a specialist?
We do not require a Nerve Conduction Study for an evaluation with our specialists.
If your surgeon suspects other diagnoses affecting other nerves in the arm, or insurance requires it, we may request a Nerve Conduction Study.
What makes carpal tunnel surgery at Slocum different?
At Slocum Orthopedics in Eugene:
- Carpal tunnel release is most often performed as a minimally invasive, one-incision endoscopic procedure
- Many patients have surgery with local anesthesia rather than general anesthesia
- It is often possible to treat both hands at the same visit, when appropriate
- The approach is particularly helpful for older adults and patients with complex medical conditions who may wish to avoid general anesthesia
Our fellowship-trained, board-certified hand and wrist surgeons will work with you to choose the safest and most effective treatment plan.
Why Eugene Patients Trust Slocum for Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery
For more than 80 years, Slocum Orthopedics has helped keep the Eugene–Springfield community moving. As the region’s largest orthopedic practice, our board-certified surgeons provide advanced orthopedic care supported by on-site physical therapy, imaging, and a dedicated surgery center.
