Carpal Tunnel Surgery Hazards

The modern world has brought with it a wide variety of items and devices that tax the muscles and nerves of the hand and wrist on a daily basis. One of the biggest culprits for pain in the wrists and hands is the computer keyboard that so many people use for work every day.

As a result of the repetitive motions, it is possible for the median nerve in the wrist to become inflamed or be pinched by the carpal ligament found at the base of the hand where it meets the wrist. When this nerve is pinched, individuals may feel great pain from the most basic of activities. Another problem is the potential for numbness in the hand.

To correct this problem, doctors have developed carpal tunnel surgery. In this surgery, the carpal ligament is snipped in the hope that when it grows back, it will not pinch the median nerve. Unfortunately, there are many variables which can affect the outcome of the surgery.

One of the greatest hazards is that there will be a lot of scar tissue as the ligament grows back. This can render the entire surgery ineffective if the scar tissue in fact pinches the nerve even more than the ligament was previously. Other problems include a permanent lessening of the strength of one’s grip, limited range of motion in the hand and wrist, and some chronic pain in the wrist and hand.

Another problem with this surgery is that it is not a permanent solution. Without changes in routine, it is very likely that the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome that caused the patient to seek surgery in the first place will return.

Contact a Pennsylvania Medical Malpractice Lawyer

If your hand and wrist doctor botched your carpal tunnel surgery, contact the Pennsylvania surgical error lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams at 610-667-7511.