A painful irritation of the thumb tendon sheath tissue that extends over the wrist is the symptom of de Quervain tendon sheath inflammation. The pain emerges gradually, radiating in the direction of the thumb and along the forearm and increases upon gripping or holding objects. Because measures such as immobilization or even cortisone injections only seldom permanently eliminate the pain, an early decision for an operation saves the patient a lifetime of suffering.

To expose the thickened thumb tendon sheath compartment, a skin incision is made under regional anesthetic in the area of the thumb side of the wrist (on the side of the “Tabatière”).  While protecting the nerves, this tendon compartment is now split, so that the tendon can glide freely again. The healing process usually takes a few days, and the thumb should be actively moved on a regular basis after the surgery.