Detailed clinical evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
Short answer: Carpal tunnel surgery releases the median nerve compressed at the wrist, by cutting the ligament that presses on it. It is done open or endoscopically, usually under local or regional anaesthesia, as a day case. It is indicated when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, or when weakness and wasting of the muscle at the base of the thumb appear — a sign the nerve is suffering. The nocturnal numbness usually settles quickly after surgery; restoring strength takes longer if the nerve had already suffered for a long time. It is done privately (MedLife) or under insurance — CAS (the County Hospital).
Carpal tunnel syndrome arises from compression of the median nerve in the canal at the wrist. When the compression passes a threshold, conservative treatment is no longer enough, and the only solution that durably decompresses the nerve is surgical. The operation stops the compression; how much sensation and strength recover depends on how long the nerve had been suffering. For what the syndrome is, the symptoms and the diagnosis, see Carpal tunnel syndrome: symptoms, causes, diagnosis.
Surgery enters the discussion when symptoms persist under conservative treatment, when the nerve conduction study (EMG) shows moderate or severe compression, or when weakness and wasting of the muscle at the base of the thumb appear. The last sign weighs most: a nerve compressed for too long does not recover fully. In detail, in When carpal tunnel surgery is needed.
The procedure releases the nerve by cutting the transverse carpal ligament — the one that forms the "roof" of the tunnel and presses on the nerve. It can be done two ways:
Both have the same goal: decompressing the nerve. Anaesthesia is usually local or regional; general anaesthesia is not normally required. The operation is short and is done as a day case — you go home the same day.
Not every numbness of the hand is carpal tunnel syndrome; sometimes the source is at the neck or on another segment of the nerve's path. That is why surgery is decided after a clinical examination and EMG, not from the symptom alone.
The dressing stays on for about two weeks, and the hand is used for light activities shortly after surgery. Full strength returns over weeks to a few months, in proportion to how much the nerve suffered. The full step-by-step programme is in Recovery after carpal tunnel surgery.
The surgery can be done privately, at MedLife Craiova Hospital, or under insurance (CAS), at the Craiova Emergency County Clinical Hospital (with a referral). At the consultation I explain which route suits you and how each one works.
I am Dr. Alexandru Florian Grecu, senior specialist in orthopedics and traumatology and Senior Lecturer at UMF Craiova. I perform surgical release of the carpal tunnel, privately and under CAS. Details on the About page.
If you have chronic pain and are considering surgery, the first consultation commits you to nothing. We look together at your X-rays, the clinical examination and the non-surgical and surgical options. The decision stays yours.
Appointments: 0251 960
Detailed clinical evaluation and personalized treatment plan.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). Management of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. Adopted 2016, updated 2024.