Short term outcome analysis of surgical release for deQuervain’s disease: A case series study

Abstract

Introduction: Though there are various modalities of conservative and minimally invasive management they do not resolve or regress the fibrotic process of the tendon sheath in deQuervain’s disease hence surgical release of the tendons from the sheath improves the patients symptoms by correcting the underlying pathology. Aim: Analysis of functional outcome of surgical release for deQuervain’s disease.Materials and Methods: Prospective evaluation of 20 cases with at least 3 months of unsuccessful conservative therapy undergone open surgical release through longitudinal incision of tendon sheath along with removal of thin strip of extensor retinacilam.Results: Follow up analysis of the patients were made using DASH scoring and VAS scale and clinical evaluation by negative finkelstein test and range of movements of thumb and wrist. The mean pre operative DASH score is 78.25 where as mean post operative DASH score is 8.03 which is statistically significant. The mean pre operative VAS score is 8.65 where as post operative VAS score is 0.35 also statistically significant.Conclusion: Surgery is the only treatment for resistant cases after 6 months of conservative measures, and should be carried out as soon as possible. In our study group follow up is short term even though it shows significant outcome.