If you’ve been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, choosing the right surgical treatment can feel overwhelming. Many patients find themselves comparing endoscopic vs. open carpal tunnel surgery—and wondering which option offers better outcomes with less disruption to their daily lives.
Conveniently located in New Castle, PA, Dr. Neil Singh provides advanced, personalized care for hand and wrist conditions. As a trusted upper extremity specialist, he offers both open and minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release procedures, helping you understand your options and recover with confidence. To find the treatment path that’s best for you, schedule a consultation today.
Let’s explore the differences between endoscopic and open carpal tunnel surgery and how one approach may offer a faster, more comfortable recovery.
Endoscopic vs. Open Carpal Tunnel Surgery: What’s the Difference?
Both surgical procedures are designed to relieve pressure on the median nerve by releasing the transverse carpal ligament—the band of tissue that causes nerve compression inside the carpal tunnel.
Open carpal tunnel release involves a larger incision on the palm to view and divide the ligament directly. This traditional method is effective but may result in more tissue trauma, longer healing time, and visible scarring.
In contrast, endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is a minimally invasive carpal tunnel release approach that uses a small camera (endoscope) inserted through a tiny incision. This endoscopic method allows your surgeon to see inside the carpal tunnel and divide the ligament from underneath the skin with minimal disruption to surrounding tissues.
Key Benefits of Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Surgery
Patients who choose the endoscopic approach often experience:
1. Smaller Incisions and Less Scarring
Because endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery requires only one or two small incisions, the scars are typically less visible and more cosmetically appealing than those from open surgery.
2. Faster Recovery
One of the most significant advantages of endoscopic carpal tunnel release is the quicker return to work and daily activities. Many patients report improved grip strength and function within days to weeks.
3. Less Postoperative Pain
By minimizing trauma to the skin and soft tissues, endoscopic procedures often result in less postoperative pain. This can reduce the need for pain medications and make recovery more comfortable overall.
4. Lower Risk of Wound Complications
With smaller incisions and less disruption to the palm, the risk of wound complications like infection or delayed healing is reduced.
5. Quicker Return to Function
Because this surgical procedure preserves more of the normal wrist anatomy, many patients regain motion and strength more quickly. Studies have shown that patients report greater satisfaction with endoscopic outcomes in the early recovery period.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Endoscopic Surgery?
Endoscopic carpal tunnel release may be appropriate for many patients with moderate to severe symptoms, especially those who have not responded to conservative treatments such as:
- Wrist splints
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Cortisone injections
- Your diagnosis has been confirmed by a carpal tunnel test, such as EMG or nerve conduction study
- You have no prior carpal tunnel revision surgeries or complex wrist conditions
- You desire a quicker recovery for work or daily activities
During your consultation with Dr. Singh, he will review your medical history, symptoms, and personal goals to help determine if an endoscopic release is the right option for you.
What to Expect from the Carpal Tunnel Release Procedure
Dr. Singh typically performs endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting.
- A small incision is made near the wrist crease.
- A camera (endoscope) is inserted to view the underside of the transverse carpal ligament.
- Using specialized instruments, the ligament is carefully divided to release pressure on the median nerve.
- The incision is closed with a few small sutures and bandaged.
Most patients go home the same day and begin gentle hand movements shortly after. You may wear a light dressing, but you won’t typically require a rigid splint.
Why Choose Dr. Neil Singh for Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
As New Castle’s trusted upper extremity specialist, Dr. Neil Singh offers advanced care for hand and wrist conditions, including arthroscopic carpal tunnel release and minimally invasive techniques. He provides:
- Expert evaluation and diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome
- Individualized care plans based on lifestyle and symptom severity
- Surgical expertise in endoscopic surgical approaches and carpal tunnel release
- Comprehensive support from diagnosis through full recovery
Whether you’re managing pain from repetitive work, nerve compression, or long-term carpal tunnel symptoms, Singh Orthopedics is here to guide you toward lasting relief.
Make a Confident Choice for Carpal Tunnel Relief
Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery can offer faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and better cosmetic results than open surgery, especially when performed by an experienced hand and wrist specialist.
If you're ready to explore your options, schedule your consultation with Dr. Neil Singh in New Castle. Our team is here to support you with expert care and minimally invasive treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome.
