Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) — Open
A surgical procedure in which the ligament compressing the median nerve in the wrist is released through a small palm incision — providing reliable, lasting relief from carpal tunnel syndrome.
What is Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) — Open?
Open Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) is a surgical procedure performed to treat carpal tunnel syndrome — a condition in which the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the narrow carpal tunnel in the wrist. This compression causes pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers, often worsening at night or during repetitive hand activities. Carpal tunnel syndrome commonly develops due to repetitive hand movements, wrist strain, fluid retention, pregnancy, diabetes, or inflammatory conditions. When symptoms persist despite splints, medication, or physiotherapy, surgical release is recommended. Open CTR divides the transverse carpal ligament through a small palm incision, directly decompressing the median nerve and providing reliable, long-lasting symptom relief.
SUITABLE FOR Patients with persistent carpal tunnel syndrome — causing numbness, tingling, hand weakness, wrist pain, or night-time discomfort — that has not adequately responded to conservative treatments including splints, medication, or physiotherapy.
How the Procedure Works
Pre-operative Nerve Conduction Assessment
Nerve conduction studies confirm the diagnosis and grade the severity of median nerve compression; local or regional anaesthesia is administered on the day of surgery.
Surgical Access
A small incision is made in the palm near the wrist to access the carpal tunnel; the surgeon carefully exposes the transverse carpal ligament.
Ligament Release
The transverse carpal ligament is precisely divided under direct visualisation, immediately increasing the space within the carpal tunnel and relieving pressure on the median nerve.
Nerve Inspection
The surgeon examines the median nerve and surrounding structures to confirm the nerve is fully decompressed and free of any residual compression.
Final Assessment
The surgical site is checked to confirm adequate nerve space and the absence of any remaining compression before wound closure.
Wound Closure & Dressing
The incision is closed with sutures and covered with a sterile dressing; the hand may be supported with a bandage during early recovery.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
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Direct visualisation ensures complete and precise ligament release
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Reliable, long-lasting relief from numbness, tingling, and hand weakness
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Reduces night-time hand discomfort that disturbs sleep
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Day-care procedure — no overnight hospital admission required
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Well-established surgical technique with consistently excellent outcomes
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Hand function and grip strength progressively restore during recovery
“Open carpal tunnel release is one of the most reliable and well-proven procedures in hand surgery. By directly dividing the compressing ligament under full visualisation, we achieve complete nerve decompression and lasting relief — giving patients back comfortable, functional use of their hand.”
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic Consultant and Trauma Surgeon , Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Open Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) Cost in Hyderabad
The cost of Open Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) in Hyderabad generally ranges from ₹40,000 to ₹80,000, with an indicative average cost of around ₹60,000. The final package may vary depending on the severity of carpal tunnel syndrome, diagnostic evaluation, surgical and anaesthesia requirements, hospital stay, and other patient-specific factors.
| Procedure | Approximate Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Open Carpal Tunnel Release (CTR) | ₹40,000 – ₹80,000 |
The above range is indicative. The final package and inclusions should be confirmed with the hospital before publication or treatment planning.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Open Carpal Tunnel Release
The overall cost of Open Carpal Tunnel Release can vary based on the patient's symptoms, diagnostic findings, surgical requirements and the services included in the hospital package.
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Severity of nerve compression: The extent of median nerve compression and the severity of symptoms may influence the evaluation, surgical planning and overall treatment requirements.
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Diagnostic investigations: Nerve conduction studies or electromyography may be advised in selected patients to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of nerve compression, with these tests generally billed separately when not included in the package.
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Surgical and anaesthesia charges: The final cost may include the surgeon's fee, operating-room charges, anaesthesia and routine surgical consumables, depending on the hospital's package structure.
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Hospital and day-care charges: Open carpal tunnel release is commonly performed as a day-care procedure, but observation or additional hospital stay may affect the final bill when clinically required.
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Additional medical conditions: Diabetes, thyroid disorders, previous wrist surgery or other conditions affecting nerve function may require additional assessment and can influence the overall treatment plan.
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Bilateral treatment: If both hands require surgery, treatment may be planned separately or together depending on the clinical situation, which can change the overall cost.
Insurance Coverage for Open Carpal Tunnel Release
Open Carpal Tunnel Release may be covered by health insurance when medically necessary, subject to the patient's policy terms, exclusions, waiting periods, insurer approval and hospital coverage arrangements. Patients should confirm the applicable benefits and pre-authorisation requirements with their insurer before treatment.
- Checking your policy coverage
- Cashless approval process
- Required documentation
- Insurance-related queries before the procedure
Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu
Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon
Dr. Satish Reddy at Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad, can evaluate patients experiencing symptoms associated with carpal tunnel syndrome and help determine an appropriate treatment plan based on clinical examination and diagnostic findings. During the consultation, the doctor may assess: Hand and wrist symptoms: The doctor may review numbness, tingling, burning pain, night-time symptoms, reduced grip strength and difficulty with activities requiring repetitive hand or wrist movements. Nerve function: Sensation, muscle strength, thumb function and other findings associated with median nerve compression may be evaluated during the physical examination. Diagnostic reports: Nerve conduction studies, electromyography or other relevant investigations may be reviewed to understand the severity of nerve compression and support the diagnosis. Duration and progression: The doctor may assess how long symptoms have been present and whether they are becoming more frequent, persistent or functionally limiting. Previous treatment: Splinting, medicines, activity modification, injections or other conservative treatments may be discussed to understand the response to previous management. Surgical suitability: Based on the clinical findings and diagnostic results, the doctor may determine whether Open Carpal Tunnel Release is appropriate or whether another treatment approach should be considered.
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