De Quervain's disease: Ultrasound-guided release.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of a novel antegrade, ultrasound-guided release of the first extensor tendon compartment for treating De Quervain's disease.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective, single-center study of 34 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided release of the first extensor compartment for clinically diagnosed De Quervain's disease between June 2022 and December 2023. Inclusion criteria included age >18 years and failure of conservative treatment (e.g., NSAIDs, physiotherapy, and steroid injection) for more than six weeks. Exclusion criteria were prior trigger thumb surgery and documented allergy to local anesthetics. Outcomes were assessed using pain intensity (visual analog scale, VAS), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores, and complication rates.

RESULTS

The mean VAS for pain improved from 7.4 to 1.1, and the QuickDASH score improved from 55 to 9.4 at the final follow-up. We recorded three minor complications and no major complications.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided surgical release of the first extensor compartment for De Quervain's disease is a minimally invasive, technologically advanced, and effective treatment option.