De Qurevains Tenosynovitis

What is it?

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis is caused by inflammation of the sheath surrounding several tendons at the side of the wrist. The tendons usually glide freely but if the tunnel thickens it becomes tight and every time the tendons move through the sheath it can be painful. Usually, this is worse on grasping, lifting or twisting movements.

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Treatment

A steroid injection around the tendon can help the swelling settle down and allow the tendons to glide freely. The injection may take up to 6 weeks to resolve the problem. The injection is uncomfortable and it can take a few days for the wrist to settle down.

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De Qurevains Tenosynovitis Surgery – If the injections have not worked then surgery is considered, this is carried out as a day case procedure with local anaesthetic. A tourniquet is used to reduce bleeding. A small incision is made over the inflamed tendons at the wrist and the tendon sheath is released so that the tendons can run freely. The hand is bandaged with the fingers freely moving.

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