De Quervain’s Surgery

De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis Treatment

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is a common cause of wrist pain that affects the thumb side of your wrist, making everyday tasks like lifting, typing, or holding objects painful. At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, we specialize in diagnosing and treating this condition, helping patients get back to normal activities with minimal disruption. Whether your symptoms are from repetitive wrist movements, new parent activities (commonly called “mommy thumb”), or other causes, we offer comprehensive care tailored to your needs.

With timely intervention, most patients experience relief through conservative treatments, but we also offer advanced options for more severe or persistent cases. Our goal is to reduce inflammation, restore wrist and thumb function, and get you back to your daily activities as efficiently as possible.

What is De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis?

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis occurs when the tendon sheath around two tendons on the thumb side – the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus – becomes inflamed and thickened. The tendons get trapped in the first extensor compartment of the wrist, limiting smooth movement and causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

With proper treatment, including conservative care like splinting and anti-inflammatory medications, most patients can expect reduced pain, improved mobility, and a return to normal function. Advanced therapies, including corticosteroid injections or surgery, are available for severe or persistent cases to ensure full recovery.

Treatment Options for De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, our approach to De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is comprehensive, starting with non-surgical methods and progressing to surgical options when necessary. Treatment is tailored to your symptom severity, activity level, and personal goals to ensure the best outcome.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Many patients find relief through non-invasive therapies, which are often sufficient for mild to moderate symptoms. Non-surgical treatments focus on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and restoring wrist and thumb function.

• Splinting & Immobilization: Thumb spica splints stabilize the thumb and wrist, reducing tendon stress and allowing healing.
• Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, topical gels, or oral corticosteroids help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Rest & Activity Modification: Avoid repetitive movements, use ergonomic tools, take breaks, and apply ice to manage symptoms.
• Physical & Occupational Therapy: Therapists provide exercises and ergonomic guidance to strengthen tendons and prevent recurrence.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the tendon sheath, often combined with splinting for best results.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is reserved for patients with chronic or severe De Quervain’s tenosynovitis that does not respond to conservative care. At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, the most common procedure is a first dorsal compartment release, which relieves pressure on the affected tendons and restores smooth movement.

Performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision to carefully open the tendon sheath while protecting surrounding nerves. The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes, and many patients experience immediate pain relief. Recovery involves two weeks of wound care followed by gradual strengthening and range-of-motion exercises, with most patients returning to normal activities within 6–12 weeks.

Surgery is highly effective, with success rates approaching 95%, and complications are rare when performed by experienced surgeons. This procedure is recommended for patients with persistent pain despite six months of non-surgical care, severe symptoms that limit daily function, or chronic tendon entrapment, offering a permanent solution and the ability to resume full wrist and thumb function.

Recovery

• Conservative Treatment: Most patients notice improvement within 4-6 weeks, with gradual restoration of function.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Relief often begins within 1-2 weeks, with peak improvement by 4-6 weeks.
• Surgical Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 6-12 weeks. Pain relief is usually immediate, but strengthening and range-of-motion exercises continue as the tendon fully heals.

Early diagnosis and treatment dramatically improve outcomes. Chronic cases that persist for years are more challenging to treat and may require surgical intervention.

FAQ: De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Why Choose Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics

At Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics, we combine specialized expertise, advanced technology, and personalized care to treat De Quervain’s tenosynovitis effectively. Our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons and hand specialists takes a patient-centered approach, developing individualized treatment plans based on symptom severity, lifestyle, and goals. From early non-surgical interventions to advanced surgical techniques, we provide comprehensive care under one roof, ensuring a smooth and efficient recovery. With a focus on long-term outcomes, patient education, and minimally invasive options, we help patients regain function and return to daily activities safely and confidently.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis can make simple tasks painful, but with the right treatment, relief is possible. Whether through conservative therapy, corticosteroid injections, or advanced surgical options, our team at Princeton Brain, Spine & Orthopedics is here to help you restore wrist and thumb function and get back to the activities you love. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen; schedule a consultation today.