De Quervain Tendon Release Surgery - Explained

Watch this animation video to learn about de Quervain tendon release surgery. Sufferers of “mummy’s thumb” or de Quervain tenosynovitis experience sharp pain and/or swelling at the wrist under the thumb.

Prolonged and/or forceful use of your thumb and wrist may lead to the thickening and swelling of the tendon or the tunnel. The tendons no longer glide freely within the tunnel, resulting in pain when you move your thumb and wrist.

If your symptoms are mild, you may be given conservative treatment such as:
Activity modifications
Wearing of splint
Steroid injection
If the symptoms are more severe and persistent, you may be required to undergo the de Quervain tendon release surgery which is typically a day surgery procedure done under local anaesthesia. Your surgeon will cut through the sheath surrounding the tendons to release the pressure on them, allowing them to glide freely when you move your thumb and wrist.

Steps in the de Quervain tendon release surgery:
1) Your wrist and hand are numbed with a local anaesthetic
2) An incision will be made on your wrist, near the base of your thumb
3) Surgeon cuts the sheath surrounding the tendon, taking care to avoid any nerve close by
4) Incision is closed and a compression bandage is applied. Your wrist and hand are then bandaged.

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NUH is Singapore's major tertiary hospital and referral centre with over 50 medical, surgical and dental specialties. It is the only public hospital in Singapore to offer a comprehensive suite of specialist care for adults, women and children as well as paediatric kidney and liver transplant programme, in addition to kidney, liver and pancreas transplantations for adults.

[setrinaperry]

decison I made. I was awake for the whole surgery. I was numbed up pretty good, of course. Its been 2 years in October and zero issues. Healed quickly with no down time. Physical therapy and endless steroid injections didnt do anything. Wish I had done the surgery sooner and saved my time, money and engery with PT and injections!!!

[carleneeagleman]

Just had this surgery done this morning
I am SO happy it was done. The doctor said that it was the thickest one he had to cut in a long, long time. I literally felt the release when it was cut. I know things will turn out well.

[davidly]

Had De Quervain Release Surgery 9 days ago and just got my splint and stitches removed yesterday and I hate how my thumb is all tingly and weak when I try to bend it. I have physical therapy to help in a week!

[ChelseaGarcia]

Just had this done as there was a cyst under that sheath so they released the sheath and found I had tendonitis too so she took Care of that while she was in there I had a cyst right on the side of my wrist on that tendon under the sheath

[joAnna]

Just got this done, hope it feels better but this cast is annoying

[Jasmin]

Getting this done tomorrow on both hands

[teoslsamuel]

Does the tendon sheath need to be reattached?
Will cutting it fully cause downstream problem as the tendon sheath is to facilitate the sliding of the tendon tissue surrounding anatomical structures and prevent the tendon from losing its course of action during muscle contraction.

[anilsmileu]

How to treat Thickened Synovial sheath of the 6th compartment tendons. It is swelling and paining continuously on above the wrist

[missngelacxu]

seems like a very simple surgery. my tendon hurts and i have De Quervain’s tendinosis i will probably get surgery

[gazagirl]

What happens to the sheath. Does it grow back? Or, gone forever and the wrist operates fine without the sheath? Ty

[blackmamba]

Dok kalau terbentuk nya dah lama banget apa bisa di normal kan kembali?

[crypttonite]

no thank you
looks like a horrible solution slicing it up like that, hacks