Carpal Tunnel Surgery Adelaide
Navigating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome with Dr. Gavin Nimon
Expertise and Precision in Surgical Care
Dr. Gavin Nimon has extensive experience in treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Whilst surgery can be done under sedation, opting for an open surgery approach under local anaesthesia, offers a safe, efficient option with the advantage of making the surgery very affordable for those without private health insurance.
A Comprehensive Understanding of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) presents a complex challenge, characterized by pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist. This condition stems from the compression of the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, a collection of bones in the wrist (called the carpal bones) which are placed and spaced out in a curve, almost like an upside down arch. The tendons and nerves to the fingers go through this area, which is enclosed by a ligament that compresses the tissues and keeps them close against the bones.
As you get older, the ligaments and tendons in this area tend to thicken and take up more space. That squeezes or partially strangles the median nerve. Some people have a genetic predisposition to carpal tunnel syndrome.
Identifying the Symptoms of CTS
The hallmark symptoms of CTS include a pins and needles sensation, primarily affecting the thumb, index, middle fingers, and occasionally the ring finger. Exacerbation at night is very common, potentially disrupting sleep. This may be due to a flexed position of the wrist when sleeping and can be helped by wearing a wrist brace when sleeping. Daily tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as gripping a telephone, or doing up buttons, can become increasingly difficult.
The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
To ensure a correct diagnosis, it’s crucial to differentiate CTS from other conditions that mimic its symptoms, like diabetes-induced nerve damage or compression of a nerve in the neck. Clinical examination is often diagnostic but confirmation can be made by nerve conduction studies which demonstrate issues with the nerves conduction.
V-Scan Ultrasound
Have a look inside your wrist
Dr Nimon uses a portable ultrasound device which can be used to demonstrate the compression of the nerve and tendons in the region. Whilst not a radiologist, this can be used to give you more understanding of the area affected
Carpal Tunnel Treatment
Carpal tunnel treatment initially focuses on improving your symptoms through physiotherapy and a night brace on your wrist.
While these measures may provide some relief, they rarely eliminate the problem. That’s why most people turn to carpal tunnel surgery.
Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Carpal tunnel surgery aims to release the ligament over the median nerve so that the nerve has space around it again and is no longer compressed.
There are several ways to perform this surgery. Our preferred method is an open approach, which can be done with a local anaesthetic for most people. This avoids the risk of a general anaesthetic and minimises your out of pocket costs as there is no overnight stay required.
With a local anaesthetic, you can be involved in the surgery. If you’re not squeamish, you can even see what we’re doing, learning a great deal about your body.
Glenelg Orthopaedics: Your Partner in Recovery
At Glenelg Orthopaedics, we aim to provide quality care, informed treatment choices, and comprehensive post-surgical support. Dr. Nimon and his team are dedicated to guiding you through each step of your journey to recovery, from the initial consultation to full rehabilitation.
Often Carpal Tunnel syndrome is first noticed with difficulty doing up shirt buttons
Outcome
Dr. Nimon participates in the Australian Hand Surgery Society audit and in the a recent audit of outcomes, noted a 98% success rate in improvement of symptoms, with 80% having had a significant improvement within the first month after surgery. This underscores his commitment to patient outcomes.
While any surgery has risks of any surgical procedure, the most common risk is that of infection, and with an open approach, this can be treated with regular dressings and oral antibiotics and in his audit did not require a return to theatre.
Dr. Nimon’s approach aims to mitigate these risks, fostering a smooth and effective recovery.