Carpal tunnel release is a surgery to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, pain and weakness in the hand that is caused by pressure on the median nerve in the wrist. Carpal tunnel release is recommended when the muscles in your hand and wrist are getting smaller because the nerve is being pinched. During the operation, your surgeon cuts through the carpal ligament to make more space for the nerve and tendons.
The ulnar nerve causes the “funny bone” sensation when you hit your elbow. Damage to this nerve leads to a permanent numbness or tingling. Damage to the nerve also leads to loss of function in the muscles of the hand supplied to the ulnar nerve. Ulnar nerve decompression explores the region around the elbow through which the ulnar nerve passes. The goal of this procedure is to remove any compressive forces on it that are causing the nerve to function improperly.