De Quervein’s disease is a pathologic narrowing of first extensor’s compartment conveying 2 tendons running form forearm to the thumb. It manifests as discomfort progressing to severe pain on dorsal aspect of the wrist and distal part of radius. Symptoms intensify with fisted hand adduction. The disease is not age-specific and its etiology is still unknown. For many years it was believed that inflammation plays key role in de Quervain’s disease. Recently published scientific data doesn’t support this opinion.

It is well documented that young mothers are more prone to suffer from the disease. Symptoms manifest 4-6 weeks after childbirth and are caused by hormone imbalance.

Treatment of de Quervein’s disease depends on severity of the symptoms and history. Conservative approach with hand immobilization and anti-inflammatory drugs should be attempted as a first line treatment. If it doesn’t bring alleviation of symptoms, steroid injection to first extensors compartment may be performed. Surgical decompression of this anatomic tunnel is most definite form of treatment with highest percentage of good and long-lasting results.

The surgery is performed in local anesthesia.

Skin incision is placed on dorsal surface of the wrist over distal part of radius.

Patient may be discharged home immediately after the surgery.

Operated hand is immobilized in wrist splint and should be in elevation till wounds are healed and skin sutures removed what usually takes 14 days. Hand therapy should be implemented from post-op day 4 and continued for a period of 4-6 weeks.

Return to normal activity is possible after rehabilitation is completed.

Although result of surgical treatment of de Quervain’s disease are good and long lasting, symptoms may rarely reoccur.

This short information doesn’t replace medical consultation in the office.