A procedure to relieve pressure on the tendons in the wrist affected by De Quervain's tenosynovitis.
Through a small incision over the thumb side of the wrist, the tight fibrous sheath around the affected tendons is released, allowing them to glide freely again. The procedure typically takes around thirty minutes and is usually done under local anaesthetic as day surgery.
Assessment beforehand confirms the diagnosis through examination, and sometimes a prior corticosteroid injection is tried before surgery is considered. Because it is usually done under local anaesthetic, preparation is generally straightforward, though arranging transport home is recommended.
A light splint or dressing may be worn for the first week or two. Most people can use the hand for light activities within days, with gripping and thumb-intensive tasks reintroduced gradually as the wound settles.
Gentle thumb and wrist movement is encouraged early to prevent stiffness. Strengthening exercises are introduced as comfort allows over the following weeks, and formal hand therapy is occasionally used for symptoms that take longer to settle.
Risks include infection, a small chance of irritation to the sensory nerve that runs close to this part of the wrist, causing numbness or tingling, and, uncommonly, recurrence of symptoms if the release is incomplete.
The aim is to relieve the pain, swelling and catching sensation associated with De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Most patients experience substantial or complete relief of symptoms, with a return to normal thumb and wrist use over the following weeks.
De Quervain's release is a short, generally straightforward procedure that relieves the pain and catching caused by tight tendons at the thumb side of the wrist. Most patients experience good, often rapid relief of symptoms.
