Overview
De Quervain disease surgery is a surgical procedure aimed at relieving pain and restoring function in patients with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, a condition in which the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist become inflamed or constricted. When conservative treatments like splinting, medications, or steroid injections fail, surgery may be necessary to release the tendon sheath and reduce friction.
In South Korea, this surgery is performed in advanced hand and orthopedic centers using minimally invasive techniques, ensuring precise tendon release, minimal scarring, and rapid recovery.
What is De Quervain Disease Surgery?
De Quervain disease surgery involves the release of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist, where the abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB) tendons pass through a tight tendon sheath.
Indications include:
- Persistent pain along the thumb and wrist despite conservative treatment
- Swelling, tenderness, and restricted thumb movement
- Weak grip or difficulty performing daily activities
- Failed corticosteroid injections or splinting
Purpose:
- Relieve tendon constriction and inflammation
- Restore thumb and wrist function
- Reduce pain and prevent recurrence of symptoms
What are the Benefits?
De Quervain disease surgery offers several therapeutic and functional benefits:
✔ Rapid and lasting pain relief.
✔ Restoration of thumb and wrist mobility.
✔ Enables normal daily activities and work performance.
✔ Minimally invasive approach reduces scarring and recovery time.
✔ High success rate with low risk of recurrence.
Procedure Details
1) How should I prepare for De Quervain Disease Surgery?
- Medical evaluation: Blood tests, wrist X-rays or ultrasound to assess tendon sheath
- Medication guidance: Stop anticoagulants if advised
- Preoperative counseling: Discuss anesthesia, surgical technique (open vs mini-incision), and expected outcomes
- Consent: Understand procedure, risks, and post-operative care instructions
South Korean orthopedic centers provide thorough preoperative planning and patient education, ensuring comfort and safety.
2) What happens during De Quervain Disease Surgery?
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia with or without sedation, sometimes regional block
- Surgical approach:
- Incision: Small incision over the thumb side of the wrist
- Tendon sheath release: Surgeon carefully opens the first dorsal compartment to release constriction
- Tendon inspection: Tendons checked for fraying or injury
- Closure: Incision is closed with fine sutures, dressing applied
- Duration: Typically 20–45 minutes
- Monitoring: Vital signs and surgical site integrity monitored throughout
Korean surgeons use microsurgical techniques and aseptic methods to minimize tissue trauma and ensure optimal outcomes.
3) What happens after De Quervain Disease Surgery?
- Immediate post-op: Mild swelling, tenderness, or bruising; dressing and splint applied
- Pain management: Oral analgesics as needed
- Activity: Gentle finger and wrist movement encouraged; avoid heavy lifting or strenuous thumb use for a few weeks
- Follow-up: Dressing removal, suture check, and physiotherapy to restore strength and mobility
- Recovery: Most patients return to normal activities within 4–6 weeks
Risks / Benefits
Potential Risks:
- ➤ Infection at the surgical site
- ➤ Nerve injury causing numbness or tingling in the thumb or wrist
- ➤ Scar sensitivity or tenderness
- ➤ Incomplete relief if tendon sheath not fully released
- ➤ Rare recurrence of symptoms
Major Benefits:
- ✔ Effective and lasting relief of wrist and thumb pain
- ✔ Restores functional mobility of the thumb and hand
- ✔ Minimally invasive with rapid recovery
- ✔ Low complication and recurrence rates
- ✔ Improves quality of life and daily activity performance
Recovery and Outlook
- Immediate: Mild pain, swelling, or bruising at the incision site
- 1–2 weeks: Incision heals; stitches may be removed
- 3–4 weeks: Gradual restoration of thumb and wrist mobility; physiotherapy continues
- 4–6 weeks: Most patients resume normal work and daily activities
- Long-term: Durable pain relief and restored function; occasional follow-up to monitor tendon health
South Korean hand surgery centers provide structured post-operative care, physiotherapy, and patient education for optimal recovery.
When To Call the Doctor
Contact your surgeon if you notice:
- ➤ Persistent or worsening pain
- ➤ Signs of infection (fever, redness, discharge)
- ➤ Numbness or tingling that worsens
- ➤ Swelling or bleeding that does not resolve
- ➤ Difficulty moving thumb despite therapy
Best Korea Option / Process
South Korea offers world-class De Quervain disease surgery due to:
- Experienced orthopedic and hand surgeons
- Minimally invasive microsurgical techniques
- Comprehensive perioperative care including pain management and physiotherapy
- Rapid recovery protocols for return to work and daily activities
- International patient support with scheduling, translation, and follow-up
- High success rates and low complication or recurrence rates
Top hospitals for De Quervain Disease Surgery in Korea:
- Samsung Medical Center, Seoul – Orthopedic & Hand Surgery Division
- Asan Medical Center, Seoul – Hand and Microsurgery Center
- Severance Hospital (Yonsei University Health System) – Hand Surgery & Rehabilitation
- Seoul National University Hospital – Advanced Orthopedic & Hand Surgery Program
