De Quervains Tenosynovitis Release/First Dorsal Compartment Release

Repetitive motions of the wrist, such as lifting, can cause inflammation of the tendons around the base of the thumb. This gives rise to pain and weakness in the wrist. Inflammation and surface wear (delamination) prevents the tendons ability to glide smoothly. Normally these tendons run in tunnels to help direct their line of pull. Over time adhesions can develop between the tendon and theses tunnels, or between the tendons themselves (De Quervains Tenosynovitis). Mild cases may respond to an injection of local anaesthetic and steroid to help suppress the inflammation, but moderate to severe cases are best addressed surgically. Treatment involves releasing the adhesions around the tendon, to help it move smoothly once again.