Premier Plastic Surgery
HomePhysiciansAbout Our OfficeProcedures and Conditions Contact Us
Premier Plastic Surgery

Phone Phone

(913) 782-0707

Fax Fax

(913) 782-5813

address E-Mail

 Info@ppskc.com

address Address

The Doctors Building
20375 W. 151st St.
Suite 370
Olathe, Kansas 66061

address Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 – 5:00

address Cosmetic Site

PPSKC.com

DeQuervain’s Tenosynovitis

What is DeQuervain's tenosynovitis?


The first dorsal compartment. There are six compartments on the dorsal, or back, side of the wrist. The first and third compartments house tendons which control the thumb.
DeQuervain's tenosynovitis is a situation in which two of the tendons that extend the thumb are tightly constricted in the tunnel that they run through in the wrist. This can be brought on by a specific injury that causes swelling or it can be due to culmination of multiple, small traumas or may simply be part of the aging process. Anatomic variations are oftentimes present and can be contributory as well.


De Quervain's Tendonitis

Patients with deQuervain's syndrome develop pain on the thumb side of the wrist and they may experience swelling and a funny sensation of dragging or creaking in the radial side of the wrist. In severe cases the thumb actually clicks or locks into position.

 

What are the treatment options?

Initially conservative measures are tried such as ice, medicines to fight inflammation, and splinting. If these measures fail then oftentimes a steroid injection of the sheath of the tendon is effective.



Finkelstein maneuver, a helpful test to diagnose de Quervain's Tendonitis. The first picture shows the first dorsal compartment relaxed; the second shows the compartment stretched when the fist is bent toward the little finger.
For failure of conservative measures, surgical intervention is the next step. Usually a monitored local anesthetic is used and seldom do patients require a general anesthetic. An incision is made over the wrist at the location of the tight, constricting tunnel and the tunnel is opened widely and allowed to heal in this more wide open configuration. This stops the rubbing and irritation of the tendon in the tight tunnel.

This is a highly effective surgery in most cases and complications are rare. The scar is tender in this location and this is a normal part of the healing process. As with many hand surgeries, the final result is very dependent on the patient’s performance of postoperative exercises and therapy.

Home | Physicians | About Our Office | Procedures and Conditions | Contact Us