What can the Spire Manchester Hospital offer?
Here at the Spire Manchester Hospital we believe that we can satisfy all of your requirements. We have a group of specialist orthopaedic surgeons. Our reputation for cleanliness and for the quality of our nursing staff is second to none. We also have modern well equipped theatres and we would be happy to help look after you.
What is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition. In the United Kingdom approximately 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 2,000 of the population will undergo a carpal tunnel decompression per year. The condition is caused by compression of a nerve (the median nerve) in a tunnel (the carpal tunnel) as it enters the hand.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms are usually of tingling and numbness in the thumb, index and middle fingers. This usually starts at night. In later stages the condition can also be troublesome by day. Shaking or rubbing your hand may relieve symptoms.
What causes it?
Carpal tunnel syndrome can be caused by hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels), pregnancy and after a fracture of the wrist. Most cases are however spontaneous, with no obvious cause for them.
What should I do if I think that I may have carpal tunnel syndrome?
In the first instance you should consult your GP. If your general practitioner suspects that you may have carpal tunnel they may perform a number of simple and painless tests in the surgery. They may then refer you for a surgical opinion.
What can I expect if my GP refers me to hospital?
Your surgeon will ask you questions about your symptoms. They will examine your hand and may request special investigations in the form of nerve conduction studies. These are performed by a specialist neurophysiologist, who will confirm the diagnosis. If they do not suggest that you have carpal tunnel syndrome, further investigations may be indicated (for example an MR scan of the neck).
What can be done if it is carpal tunnel syndrome?
Treatment may be by splintage in mild cases, for the symptoms may sometimes resolve spontaneously. There is occasionally a role for steroid injection.
Surgery is usually a successful and gratifying treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome. The operation involves a short (2 inch, 5 cm) scar on the palm of the hand. This is usually performed as a day case procedure, under either general or local anaesthetic. As with all surgery there are some potential complications; your surgeon will discuss these with you at your initial consultation.
What should I look for when seeking treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome?
You may wish to consider whether your surgeon operates regularly on the condition. Many orthopaedic surgeons treat carpal tunnel syndrome. Some surgeons specialise in hand surgery.
You may also wish to consider the convenience of being able to have nerve conductions studies performed in the same hospital.
Finally, if you come to surgery you may wish to consider whether the hospital is clean, has well equipped theatres and has supportive and caring nursing staff.
What should I do if my GP has referred me for suspected carpal tunnel syndrome?
Please contact our appointments desk on 0161 232 2261 and ask for an appointment for the one stop carpal tunnel clinic. It will then be our pleasure to arrange a suitable appointment with one of our team of surgeons.