De Quervain's Tendonitis

What is it?

This frequent pathology, which is not serious, is caused by mechanical, inflammatory or metabolic conditions that lead to narrowing of the first retinal canal of the wrist, a fibrous formation within which the long abductor tendons and the short extensor tendons of the thumb, important for gripping and manipulation functions, pass.

Compression of these tendons leads to chronic inflammation, which causes severe pain when mobilising the thumb.

Which are the symptoms?

Painful sensations

How is it diagnosed?

The diagnosis of De Quervain's tendonitis is simple and usually does not require instrumental examination, but it must be distinguished from other conditions that cause pain at the base of the thumb, such as rhizoarthritis or the rarer Wartenberg's syndrome (compression of the sensory branch of the radial nerve), and therefore requires specialised examination by a hand surgeon.

How is it treated?

Conservative treatment can always be attempted based on rest, anti-inflammatory medication, physiotherapy and the use of splints.

If conservative treatment fails, surgery can correct the impairment.

Surgery is performed by hand surgeons under local anaesthesia, without the need for hospitalisation, using minimally invasive techniques that allow for almost immediate restoration of hand function.

The procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis and does not require hospitalisation.

After the operation it is necessary to follow a rehabilitation program under the control of a hand therapist.

Where do we treat it?

Within the San Donato Group, you can find De Quervain's Tendonitis specialists at these departments:

Are you interested in receiving the treatment?

Contact us and we will take care of you.