Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Practice Exam

Carpal tunnel release surgery is the standard surgical procedure indicated for the management of carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition occurs when the median nerve, which passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, is compressed. Symptoms typically include pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers, particularly the thumb, index finger, and part of the middle finger.

The primary goal of carpal tunnel release surgery is to relieve this pressure on the median nerve. The procedure involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament, which forms the roof of the carpal tunnel, thereby increasing the space available for the median nerve and alleviating the associated symptoms. This surgical intervention has a high success rate, with many patients experiencing significant symptom relief following recovery.

In contrast, procedures like cubital tunnel release surgery focus on the ulnar nerve and are relevant for conditions involving the elbow, while Guyon’s canal release surgery addresses compression of the ulnar nerve at the wrist, unrelated to the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used for a range of wrist issues but is not specific to carpal tunnel syndrome. Therefore, carpal tunnel release surgery is the correct choice for effectively treating the symptoms associated with this specific condition.