Surgical Release
What is surgical release?
Surgery may be considered in a small number of patients with severe symptoms, who haven’t responded to more conservative treatments for De Quervain’s tenosynovitis over a period of 6 months or more. The procedure involves the surgical release of the retinaculum or sheath surrounding the affected tendons at the base of the thumb. This reduces pressure and enables the tendons to glide freely, thereby reducing pain.
How does surgical release work?
During the procedure, a local anaesthetic is used to numb the wrist and hand. A small incision is made in the wrist near the base of the thumb. The sheath surrounding the affected tendon is cut to release the pressure, allowing free movement of the tendons. The incision is then stitched and a dressing is applied.
Surgical Release Recovery
Following the procedure, you should take regular pain relief as the anaesthetic wears off. You will be seen in clinic 10-14 days following your operation, and you should keep the wound clean, dry and covered until then.
The One Orthopaedics team specialists
Anthony Hearnden
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon FRCS (Tr&Orth), Shoulder, Elbow, Hand and Wrist
