De Quervain’s Tendinitis Surgery

(De Quervain’s Release)

At the Advanced Center for Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery, our specialty-trained hand and wrist surgeons, Dr. Taylor is highly skilled in performing surgery to treat De Quervain’s tendinitis, known as De Quervain’s release or De Quervain’s tendinitis surgery. The Advanced Center for Orthopedics and Plastic Surgery doctors are recognized throughout the Marquette area as leaders in performing specialized hand and wrist procedures.

De Quervain’s tendinitis is an orthopedic condition that occurs when tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become swollen and constricted from overuse, arthritis, or sometimes, pregnancy. De Quervain’s tendinitis surgery (called De Quervain’s release) involves creating a small incision on the wrist at the base of the thumb and carefully releasing the inflamed tendon sheath (a protective covering that keeps the tendons intact). Once the sheath is opened, pressure and friction on the tendons is alleviated, allowing the tendons to glide freely as the hand is used.

De Quervain’s release is an outpatient procedure that requires the patient to be under a general anesthesia. This means you won’t be awake for surgery and will therefore be comfortable and feel no pain. Post-surgery, the patient is typically given a local anesthetic and pain medication, is bandaged (often a splint is applied), and is able to go home the same day. Following De Quervain’s tendinitis surgery, hand and wrist therapy and thumb exercises are strongly encouraged to facilitate a full recovery.

To learn more about what to expect when you undergo De Quervain’s release (De Quervain’s tendinitis surgery) please visit our surgery prep and recovery page and interactive video.

Specialty Reference: 
Hand & Wrist