1 Year post op. Unexpected issue.
I had bilateral carpal tunnel release 13 and 11 months ago. I have been very pleased with the result. Certainly not a 100% cure but I have been very happy. I still have stiffness in my fingers every morning both hands and do suffer from some tingling and numbness but nothing that impedes on anything I do and have presumed I am also very sensitive to these symptoms when they occur.
I have just discovered that I do not have the dexterity and strength to release a forcep with a ratchet release. (I am sure you will understand this.)Is this an unusual issue to lose the control and could it be helped?
Thanks Jeremy. Yes I suppose it is not a common piece of equipment to use! I have just had suturing instruction and was advised to hold the forcep with thumb and ring finger. With adjustment it improved using the thumb and index finger but the strength was still reduced and required a lot of effort. Certainly not comfortable and not an instant release of the forceps. I had not had a need to use before this week as generally my practice is in primary care. I can't recall ever having had this issue pre cts with an artery forcep so presume it is post op onset.
Is there a way I can regain this strength or is this now how my function will be. It is a very specific problem and have no other specific restrictions that I have noted except prolonged holding in a fixed position can become painful.
If we assume that it is a mechanical effect of the surgery then if it is still persisting a year later then my guess would be that it is probably going to be permanent - however there is still a possibility that persistent exercise at that particular activity might strengthen the muscles being used - no harm in trying. JB
That's quite a complex hand movement isn't it, requiring cooperation between 2-3 digits to apply pressure in such a way as to disengage the ratchet. I guess the first question is whether this has been noticeable only recently, ever since the operations, or even before surgery? In the first case one might guess that it is most likely to be a new problem, in the second that it might be related to the surgery, and in the third that it could be the CTS itself. Carpal tunnel surgery does alter the structure of the wrist in such a way that the mechanics of finger movement are changed and it is at least theoretically feasible for this to be a consequence of the operation. I can't say I've ever heard the same complaint from another patient but then not many people use ratchet forceps in the general population. Does it make a difference which finger you use ? I would usually have thumb and middle finger in the loops with the index finger providing further leverage and control of the stem. JB