Pulley Reconstruction As Part of the Surgical Treatment for de Quervain Disease: Surgical Technique with Medium-Term Results

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis Release With Excision of the First Dorsal Compartment: Novel Surgical Technique and a Case Series

Incision of the dorsal side of the tendon sheath in release of De Quervain's tenosynovitis has traditionally been advocated to prevent the risk of volar tendon subluxation. We describe a novel technique of complete excision, rather than simple incision, of the first dorsal compartment tendon sheath. Over a 10-year period, 147 patients (154 wrists) underwent first dorsal compartment release using this technique of complete excision of the sheath. No postoperative immobilization is used. Patients were followed for a mean of 7.0 months. Records were assessed for any complications including reoperation, tendon subluxation, recurrence, wound complications, scar tenderness, and superficial radial sensory nerve paresthesias. There were no cases of recurrence, reoperation, or tendon subluxation after release with this technique. Postoperatively, 7 (4.5%) patients had scar tenderness and 5 (3.2%) of these patients also had superficial radial sensory nerve parasthesias, which all resolved at the time of final follow-up. Mean range of motion was 73±11 degrees of flexion and 69±10 degrees of extension. In contrast to simple incision, we propose that this technique provides a more complete release of the compartment without risk of symptomatic subluxation or bowstringing and provides a complete release of a separate extensor pollicis brevis subsheath or any concomitant retinacular cysts associated with the tendonitis. There is an immediate removal of the symptomatic swelling and visible, painful bump associated with the thickened retinaculum with this technique. Furthermore, no immobilization is required after surgery.

Surgical Treatment Outcome of de Quervain’s Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Background:

Surgical release of the extensor retinaculum is performed as a treatment for de Quervain’s (DQ) disease when conservative treatment fails. In the literature, there is no consensus about the effectiveness of a surgical release in patients with DQ, the complication rate, or which type of incision is superior. Therefore, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted.

Methods:

A systematic search was performed in Embase, Medline Ovid, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Articles regarding surgical treatment of DQ disease that reported outcome and complications were included. We extracted exact values of visual analog scale scores and percentages of patients who experienced pain at follow-up. Complications assessed were (sub) luxation, superficial radial nerve injuries, wound infections, and scar problems.

Results:

Twenty-one studies with a total of 939 patients were included. Five percent of these patients (95% CI 1%–18%) did not show complete remission of pain at follow-up. When pooled, the mean reduction in visual analog scale scores was 5.7 (95% CI 5.3–6.1) on a 0–10 scale. No difference in outcome between different types of surgery or incisions was seen. Based on the meta-analysis, the pooled complication rate was 11% (95% CI 5%–22%).

Conclusions:

Five percent of patients still have residual pain after surgical release of the first extensor compartment. Surgery type, as well as the type of incision, did not affect outcome or complication. Thus, surgical release of the extensor retinaculum for DQ disease is an effective treatment, regardless of the type of surgery.

Pulley Reconstruction Following Surgical Release of DC1 Pulley in De Quervain's Tenosynovitis: Surgical Technique and Case Series

De Quervain's disease (DQD) is tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment (DC1) of the wrist between the osteofibrous tunnel and the tendons involving the APL and EPB sheaths at the radial styloid. Surgical intervention is indicated when pain does not resolve despite 3 to 6 months of conservative management. Release of the first dorsal compartment is an effective treatment of DQD. In addition to surgical release, we performed pulley reconstruction using a new technique in the present series of 20 patients which has not been previously described with a followup of over 1 year. All patients showed a consistent improvement in VAS score at over one year followup with resolution of Finkelstein, Eichoff and WHAT test. Only one temporary neuropraxia was encountered due to stretching/scar entrapment of superficial branch of radial nerve. Our innovative technique of pulley reconstruction is not only easy to understand and perform but has shown consistent result in the 20 cases operated with this technique with a follow up of at least 1 year. The technique has the distinct advantage of having a quick learning curve and gives reliable, lasting results without complications or recurrence.

Is Pulley Reconstruction Better Than Pulley Release for De Quervain's Tenosynovitis? A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Purpose  The aim of this study was to compare the results of surgeries of the De Quervain's disease (DQD) through a randomized control trial. Materials and Methods  We treated 40 cases of De Quervain's tenosynovitis in 2 groups: 20 patients by pulley release method and another 20 patients by pulley reconstruction method. The patients were selected as per the random table number. The clinical data, numeric Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, Quick DASH-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand-score, Mayo Wrist Score, and subluxation of the tendons in dynamic ultrasonography (USG) during wrist hyperflexion and abduction of the thumb test were noted preoperatively and 6 months after the operation. All patient charts were reviewed and data analysis was done after completion of the study. Results  All patients improved after surgery. There was no difference in clinical outcome data, numeric VAS score, Quick DASH Score, and Mayo Wrist Score ( p -value > 0.05). There were four patients with tendon subluxation under USG in pulley release group, out of which only one patient was clinically symptomatic. There was no tendon subluxation in pulley reconstruction group. The tendon subluxation between the two groups was not found to be statistically significant ( p -value: 0.661). Conclusion  Although, higher numbers of subluxation were found in release group, there was no statistically significant difference in the outcome of the two surgical procedures for DQD. This study is a pilot study, and it may act as the groundwork over which further studies may be performed. Level of Evidence  This is a Level I study.

Management of de Quervain Tenosynovitis: A Critical Analysis Review

»

Most cases of de Quervain tenosynovitis can be managed with nonoperative measures, and the mainstay of treatment is corticosteroid injection (CSI). The use of ultrasound may improve the accuracy of injections and can help to identify and localize injections to separate subcompartments.

»

For patients who are in the third trimester of pregnancy or breastfeeding, there is no contraindication to CSI as studies have shown that it can provide optimal symptomatic relief to the mother without impacting the baby.

»

When nonoperative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical release of the first dorsal compartment (FDC) can provide excellent symptom relief. Open release performed through a longitudinal incision allows for better visualization of the underlying anatomy, resulting in fewer injuries to underlying structures and a lower incidence of hypertrophic scarring compared with a transverse incision.

»

For surgeons who are comfortable performing endoscopic techniques, endoscopic FDC release can result in quicker symptom improvement, superior scar cosmesis, and a lower incidence of radial sensory nerve injury.

»

Studies have shown that FDC release can safely and effectively be performed using the WALANT (wide-awake local anesthesia no tourniquet) technique, which has the potential for cost savings without compromising quality or patient comfort.

Tendon Subluxation After Surgical Release of the First Dorsal Compartment in De Quervain Disease

We aimed to determine whether dorsoulnar incision elevating radial flap and immobilization for the treatment of de Quervain disease have an advantage over simple midline incision and early mobilization, respectively, in terms of tendon subluxation and clinical outcomes. Forty-six patients with de Quervain disease were randomly divided into 2 groups (midline incision vs dorsoulnar incision) and 2 subgroups (immobilization vs early mobilization). Subluxation of intracompartmental tendons was measured in dynamic wrist positions at 12 and 24 weeks using ultrasonography. The DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) and visual analog scale scores and grip and pinch strengths were evaluated. At 24 weeks, the tendons were displaced voloradially in wrist volar flexion (1.25 mm in midline incision vs 0.36 mm in dorsoulnar incision, P = 0.001), whereas the tendons were displaced dorsoulnarly in wrist extension (0.95 mm in midline incision vs 1.78 mm in dorsoulnar incision, P = 0.041). There were no significant differences in tendon displacement between early mobilization and immobilization groups. Clinical outcome measures showed no variation between the groups, and no significant correlation occurred with tendon subluxation. Dorsoulnar incision and postoperative immobilization do not have advantage over midline incision and early mobilization, respectively. However, tendon subluxation after release of the first dorsal compartment for de Quervain disease does not affect clinical outcomes.

Comparison between simple release and Z-plasty of retinaculum for de Quervain's disease: a retrospective study

We compared two surgical procedures for de Quervain's disease that was not responsive to conservative treatment. Group A (simple release) consisted of 38 patients and group B (Z-plasty of the retinaculum) included 36 patients. The visual analogue scale score and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score improved significantly after surgery; there were no statistical differences in outcome between the two groups. In group A, one patient required reoperation, two had subluxations of extensor tendons and two had temporary loss of sensation in the area of the radial nerve. In group B, two patients had temporary loss of sensation. The mean time to resolution of pain at the operative site was significantly shorter in group B. Both simple release and Z-plasty were effective surgical methods. Z-plasty allowed earlier return to activities of daily living but there was no statistical difference between the two groups in incidence of complication. Level of evidence: IV.

Results of surgical treatment of De Quervain's tenosynovitis: 80 cases with a mean follow-up of 9.5 years

INTRODUCTION

Surgery is indicated in De Quervain's tenosynovitis only after failure of medical treatment, often due to individual anatomical variants. We use Le Viet's technique, to avoid tendon instability. The aim of the present study was to evaluate long-term results, with the hypothesis that this surgical technique is reliable, providing lasting results.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients operated on between 1993 and 2015 were included, and results were assessed by telephone questionnaire at a minimum 1-year's follow-up. Surgical technique was systematically as described by Le Viet, with subcutaneous fixation of the retinaculum flap. Any anatomical variants were specified. In 26 cases, a concomitant pathology was treated in the same step. In addition to demographic data, the study looked for: pain on VAS, functional impairment, tendon dislocation, and satisfaction.

RESULTS

There were no intra- or immediate postoperative complications. Of the 89 patients, 74 (80 wrists) were successfully recontacted: 68 women and 6 men, with a mean age of 48.5 years (range, 19-71 years). The 15 patients lost to follow-up showed initial progression comparable to the rest of the population. A supernumerary septum was found in 50 cases, and an abductor pollicis longus tendon with multiple slips in 35 cases. There were no recurrences. Functional impairment was absent in 68 wrists, moderate in 8 and significant in 4, including 3 with associated diseases. Mean VAS was 0.76 (range, 0-10). No patients reported tendon dislocation or neuroma. Patients were very satisfied in 72 cases, satisfied in 6 and dissatisfied in 2 cases with associated diseases.

DISCUSSION

Results in the present series, with a mean follow-up of 9.5 years, were favorable, with total regression of functional impairment in 85% of cases and a satisfaction rate of 97.5%. There were no cases of tendon dislocation, neuroma, or recurrence. Residual problems were all related to associated diseases, whether pre-existing or with subsequent onset.

CONCLUSION

Le Viet's technique gives reliable, lasting results without complications or recurrence.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV, retrospective study.

Pulley Reconstruction for Symptomatic Instability of the Tendons of the First Extensor Compartment Following de Quervain's Release

Background  Surgical management of de Quervain's tenosynovitis is based on decompression of the first extensor compartment. A simple release of the first compartment can cause instability of the extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) and abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendons in zone seven of the extensors. The WHAT test (wrist hyperflexion and abduction of the thumb) is very effective in diagnosing this instability. Patients and Methods  In this retrospective monocentric study, we analyzed a case series of 10 patients all of whom underwent a reconstruction of the first extensor compartment using a retinacular graft because of symptomatic instability after decompression surgery. The reconstruction was a modified technique of the sixth compartment. Functional outcome and characteristics of the newly reconstructed pulley were examined by physical examination with the aid of ultrasound and internationally validated questionnaires. Results  Four patients had a good-to-excellent functional outcome, all of those had a maximum of two surgical procedures performed on the first extensor compartment. Six patients presented poor functional outcome. In four of them, more than two surgical procedures were performed. Minor residual instability was noted in six cases, found in both the groups. Conclusion  The reconstruction procedures on the first compartment seemed to be satisfactory in treating instability of the EPB and APL tendons after primary surgical release for de Quervain's disease. Level of Evidence  Level IV, observational study without controls.