What to expect during surgery:

Operative treatment of DeQuervain’s tenosynovitis is generally performed on an outpatient basis. Dr. Holt will meet you on the day of surgery and review the plan. This procedure can be performed under local anesthesia in an office based procedure room, significantly reducing the cost and time to undergo surgery.

Dr. Holt will inject a small amount of local anesthesia over the affected tendons. Next, a small incision approximately one inch in length is made in this area. The soft tissue surrounding the tendons that help to move your thumb and wrist (called a “sheath”) is exposed and then released to allow for improved range of motion of your thumb and provide pain relief. In the vast majority of cases, the pain will significantly improve and often resolve completely. The wound will be closed with stitches and your hand will be placed in a soft dressing. Dr. Holt will recommend that you work on range of motion of the fingers and thumb after surgery to avoid stiffness.  Patients can generally use their hand for light activities of daily living right after surgery, but may have some swelling, pain and/or stiffness for several weeks or longer.

Pain Control:

Start with simple, but effective pain relief strategies such as ice and elevation. Especially for the first 2 - 3 days, attempt to keep your hand above your heart as much as possible. This will significantly limit pain and swelling.  Next, try over the counter pain medications such as Tylenol and/or Ibuprofen. Most patients tolerate these medications well. Take them with food, and make sure to check your allergies and/or other medications and medical issues to ensure it is safe to take them. Many patients use little or no narcotic medication after tendon release surgery, but Dr. Holt will provide a small prescription of narcotics if needed. Take them as directed and only as needed.

Dressing/Bandage:

Keep your dressing on until your follow up appointment. During that period, keep the dressing and incision clean and dry. Use a plastic bag or cover during showers/hygiene.

Activity:              

You may use your hands immediately for light activities of daily living such as feeding yourself, dressing, and using a phone and/or computer. You should avoid lifting/pushing/pulling more than 1 pound and/or the use of power tools and highly repetitive activities until your follow up appointment. Additionally, work on the attached finger range of motion exercises multiple times per day. It is very important to begin moving your fingers and thumb right after surgery and keep them moving to avoid stiffness.

Additional Information:

After surgery, you should expect some pain, swelling, and stiffness. Dr. Holt will talk to you about when it is safe to return to work. Most patients can return to light work (computer/desk work) within a few days, but it will often take 6 – 8 weeks to return to more demanding work (labor, construction, etc.) or longer depending on your surgery.

Follow-Up:

Your follow up appointment is generally 10 – 14 days after your surgery and should be in your discharge packet on the day of surgery.