What is a pinched nerve?
Nerve compression is a condition in which nerves are compressed by the surrounding tissues. This pressure can cause the nerve to fail to function normally, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and even loss of motor function. Nerve compression is most common in areas where nerves pass through narrow spaces. Carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome are the two most common forms of nerve compression.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve in the narrow space in the wrist called the carpal tunnel. This syndrome manifests itself with symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the wrist and fingers.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) develops when the ulnar nerve is compressed in the cubital tunnel on the inside of the elbow. This syndrome causes complaints such as pain, numbness and weakness in the arm and hand, with the ring finger and pinky finger being particularly affected.

How Are Nerve Pinching Surgeries Performed?
Surgical intervention in the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome is generally preferred in cases that do not respond to conservative treatment methods (medication, physical therapy, etc.) and impair the patient’s quality of life. The aim of the surgery is to release the pinched nerve, remove the compression and allow the nerve to heal…

1. Carpal Tunnel Surgery (Carpal Tunnel Reliz):
   • Preparation and Anesthesia: Carpal tunnel surgery is usually performed under local anesthesia. This ensures that the patient does not feel pain but remains awake.
   • Surgical Method: The surgeon makes a small incision in the wrist area and cuts the connective tissue over the carpal tunnel (transverse carpal ligament), releasing the pressure on the median nerve. This procedure can also be performed with minimally invasive techniques, which may result in a shorter recovery time.
   • Recovery: Patients usually report pain relief and increased mobility immediately after surgery. However, complete recovery may take several weeks.
2. Cubital Tunnel Surgery (Cubital Tunnel Reliz):
   • Preparation and Anesthesia: Cubital tunnel surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia. The surgeon usually makes an incision on the inside of the elbow to release the tissues pressing on the ulnar nerve.
   • Surgical Method: During surgery, the surgeon widens the cubital tunnel or removes structures that are compressing the nerve. Sometimes, nerve transplants or nerve mobility-enhancing techniques may also be used to heal the parts that have lost the nerve.
   • Recovery: After surgery, patients usually feel less pain in the arm and hand, but full recovery can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.

Conditions Requiring Nerve Pinching Surgery:

• Advanced Symptoms: In carpal and cubital tunnel syndromes, surgical intervention is necessary when pain and numbness become persistent and do not improve with treatment.
• Muscle Weakness: If nerve compression is left untreated for a long time, muscle weakness, loss of strength in the fingers and impairment of fine motor skills may occur. In this case, surgical intervention should be performed.
• Conditions that should only be resolved with surgery: If more serious neurological disorders or pain has developed due to nerve compression, surgery may be the most effective solution.

Why Metropol Health Group?

• Expert Staff and Experience: Metropol Health Group works with experienced surgeons specialized in the treatment of nerve compression. In the treatment of carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome, treatment is offered with the latest technologies and minimally invasive methods.
• Minimally Invasive Methods: Metropol Health Group offers minimally invasive surgical methods to its patients, shortening the recovery time and enabling patients to return to work and social life faster.
• Personalized Treatment Plans: Since each patient’s condition is different, Metropol Health Group manages the treatment process in the most efficient way by offering personalized treatment plans.

Treatment Methods:

1. Physical Therapy and Exercises: In the early stages of nerve compression, symptoms can be alleviated with physical therapy and exercises.
2. Medication: Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
3. Epidural Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections can be given to relieve pressure on the nerve.
4. Surgical Intervention: If other treatment methods are not effective, surgery may be needed to relieve the pinched nerve.

As a result, nerve compression, especially common conditions such as carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome, can be managed with timely and effective treatment. Metropol Health Group provides quality healthcare services to its patients with the most up-to-date treatment methods and expert physicians.