Here I am showing the landmarks that we use for the operation, although typically we do not draw them on every patient.
The local anaesthetic is uncomfortable but not too painful. We put it in two areas: around the wrist crease and then more deeply in the wrist around the tendons.
We also need some in the palm to anaesthetise where we are going to cut. We often use a mixture of local anaesthetics and sometimes add an agent to help the local spread more widely so we can as here do it all with one injection.
Here we are showing the landmarks we use for the surgery and the incision we are going to make.
This picture shows the operation almost completed. We have cut down through the fat and reached the ligament. As shown this is almost completely divided and the two edges can be seen. The nerve is identified in the depths.
The wound has been sutured. This is a continuous suture, which I think is easier and gives a better result. Whatever technique is used it is important to get the edges perfectly aligned to ensure rapid healing and the least tender scar.
The final bandage that stays on for 10 days, until removal of the sutures.
