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Evidence summaries

De Quervain's Disease: Surgical or Nonsurgical Treatment?

De Quervain's tendovaginitis seems frequently to be cured after a local steroid injection, but there is no evidence from controlled trials. Level of evidence: "D"

One surgeon treated 71 consecutive patients 1. 63 received an injection of steroid and local anaesthetic. Complete relief was achieved in 45 cases. Seven wrists received two injection. Only 11 were operated. Conclusion: Injection of steroids is the preferred initial treatment, giving lasting relief in 80% of cases. If injection fails surgery may be needed.

    References

    • Harvey FJ, Harvey PM, Horsley MW. De Quervain's disease: surgical or nonsurgical treatment. J Hand Surg [Am] 1990 Jan;15(1):83-7. [PubMed]

Primary/Secondary Keywords