Carpal Tunnel Release Surgery Cost in India

Do you have a burning, tingling feeling in your wrist, palm, or fingers? Do you have trouble holding things due to numbness in your wrist? If so, you might be suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Book an appointment with the best orthopedic doctors near you to get relief from carpal tunnel pain and to get an accurate estimate of the cost of carpal tunnel release surgery near you.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, also known as median nerve compression, is also known as median nerve compression. The carpal tunnel is a narrow passageway formed by the bones and ligaments in the palm of the hand. The median nerve controls the motor and sensory functions of the thumb and fingers (except for the pinky finger).

In the early stages of the condition, it can be managed via conservative treatment through medicines and physical therapy. However, in the later stages, surgical treatment becomes necessary to prevent permanent paresthesia and paralysis of the wrist.

Treatments for Carpal Tunnel syndrome include:

CTS is a progressive condition that worsens over time if not treated properly. Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome include both surgical and nonsurgical options. Nonsurgical treatments are only effective for mild to moderate cases and are not permanent. Surgery is usually recommended for severe cases and for long-term relief from carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel release surgery is performed by cutting the ligament fibers that form the roof of the carpal tunnel passage, which relieves the pressure on the median nerve. Endoscopic carpal tunnel surgery is minimally invasive, i.e., it involves only a couple of minor cuts.

The average cost of CTS release surgery based on various factors is around Rs. 60,000- Rs. 70,000, depending on various factors such as hospitalization fees, medical fees, etc. We have discussed a little about the various factors affecting the cost of CTS surgery below:

• Cost of consultation and diagnostic tests: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder. Hence, its diagnosis is performed via a series of nerve conduction and radiological tests such as tinel’s sign, phalen’s maneuver, electromyogram, X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, etc.
• Type of treatment/surgery: In the initial stages, CTS can be managed via medicines and physiotherapy. Carpal Tunnel surgery is a permanent treatment for the correction of carpal tunnel syndrome. The surgery can be open or endoscopic. Endoscopic surgery has lower chances of postoperative complications and faster recovery.
• Choice of hospital: It is important to select a good orthopedic hospital for the treatment. The hospital should have an advanced infrastructure and should be able to fulfill all of the patient’s requirements such as private room, meal facility, radiology services, etc.
• Type of anesthesia chosen: CTS release surgery can be performed under both general and local anesthesia based on the surgeon’s and patient’s preference.
• Surgeon fees: It is important to select a good orthopedic doctor for carpal tunnel treatment to ensure there are no postoperative complications and that the condition doesn’t recur.
• Postoperative recovery cost: After the surgery, the patient may need pain and anti-inflammatory drugs, along with assistive devices (such as braces and splints) and physiotherapy for complete recovery.
• Insurance coverage: Although most insurance policies cover carpal tunnel surgery, the exact extent of coverage depends on the exact terms of the policy.
• Comorbidities of the patient: Patients with chronic health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension have longer recovery periods and increased chances of postoperative complications.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome?

Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include:

• Weakness in the affected hand
• Pain and numbness in the hand, wrist, and fingers
• Tingling and burning sensation in the hand that gets worse at night
• Inflammation of the affected hand

Why is surgery required for carpal tunnel syndrome?

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a recurring progressive disorder. In most cases, conservative management does not provide significant long-term relief from carpal tunnel symptoms. Hence, surgery is usually recommended for long-lasting relief.

What happens if carpal tunnel syndrome is left untreated?

If left untreated, CTS can lead to permanent damage to the neuromuscular tissues of the affected region. Over time, as the damage to the median nerve increases, the symptoms get worse and last for a longer time. Eventually, the numbness increases to the point that the patient has difficulty even picking up a pen and writing.

Is carpal tunnel treatment covered under insurance?

Most health insurance policies in India typically cover the cost of carpal tunnel release surgery either partially or completely, depending on the terms of the insurance policy. This is because carpal tunnel surgery is usually recommended when a person has severe stage carpal tunnel syndrome, has severe pain, dumbness among other symptoms, and when all nonsurgical treatments (including medications, rest, steroid injections, etc.) have failed.

What are the risks associated with carpal tunnel release?

Although minimally invasive/endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery is a relatively safe procedure, it can be associated with complications such as:

• Hemorrhage
• Infection
• Injury to the median nerve or its branches
• Injury to the nearby blood vessels
• Extensive scarring

How long does it take to recover from carpal tunnel surgery?

Patients are usually discharged from the hospital within 24-48 hours after the surgery. There may be a little soreness and pain in the surgical site that can be easily managed using over-the-counter NSAIDs. Patients can usually resume their daily activities within 7-10 days of the surgery, although the recovery period differs for everyone depending on the severity of the condition, choice of treatment, etc.

How to promote recovery after carpal tunnel surgery?

You can promote recovery after carpal tunnel release surgery by following the given tips:

• Elevate your hand above your heart using a pillow or similar support to help reduce the swelling and stiffness.
• Ice the surgical site a few times a day to reduce the swelling.
• Wear a brace/splint for a few days after the surgery.
• Massage the palm to help minimize scarring, decrease pain and increase blood flow in the surgical site.
• Do not lift heavy objects or perform any strenuous activities with the operated hand till your orthopedic surgeon has approved.
• If there is lingering pain, numbness, or weakness for over two months after the surgery, contact your orthopedic doctor again.

How to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome?

If you perform repetitive movements with your wrists, such as working in an assembly line, typing, etc., you are at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. You can prevent the occurrence of CTS by:

• Sit with a proper posture with the appropriate hand and wrist placement.
• Sleep with your wrists straight.
• Avoid flexing and extending your wrists repeatedly.
• Decrease repetitive and strong grasping motions of the wrist.
• Take frequent rest while performing repetitive activities.
• Perform conditioning and stretching exercises during rest breaks.
• In case you notice any pain or tingling sensation in the wrist, contact an orthopedic doctor near you immediately.

Conclusion

Carpal tunnel syndrome is extremely common nowadays, especially in factory and office workers who have to perform repetitive motions. Carpal tunnel surgery has a success rate of over 90%. It is important to get proper carpal tunnel surgery treatment as soon as you start experiencing its symptoms to reduce the chances of long-term permanent damage.

In addition to preventing long-term damage to the median nerve, CTS surgery also helps to improve the quality of life. If you are apprehensive about the cost of CTS surgery, you can relax as it is almost always covered under health insurance.

If you are experiencing symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome and are looking for an orthopedic doctor near you, book an appointment today.