De Quervain’s (Hand surgery)

Overview

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a painful inflammation of the tendons on the thumb side of your wrist, causing discomfort when turning, gripping, or making a fist. Although the cause of this condition isn’t known, it can be aggravated by any activity that causes repetitive hand or wrist movement.

It is useful to identify the cause (often, repetitive activity such as hammering or playing tennis) so it can be avoided, ice packs and splints can also help settle acute symptoms of De Quervain’s,  along with painkillers and anti-inflammatory agents.

If these actions prove to be unsuccessful, or the condition reoccurs, surgery is recommended to open the fibrous tunnel to release the tendons and reduce friction. This usually gets rid of the pain quickly.

Best Candidates

• Anyone with chronic pain the tendon sheath of Abductor pollicis longus

What to Expect

During surgery for De Quervain’s we remove the dense bands of fibrous tissue, so the joints can then be straightened. Firm padded bandaging is applied with a splint, usually for 1 – 4 weeks post-operatively.

Surgery is done on an outpatient basis under local anaesthesia or an arm block. Treating the wound with steroid before closure may help prevent further fibrosis, particularly in severe cases. Following surgery, the hand is put in a high sling to reduce swelling.