There are several non-surgical options for the treatment of wrist tendonitis. Early intervention is ideal as chronic cases of wrist tendonitis are more difficult to treat. If non-surgical treatments fail or the case is more severe, surgery intervention may be necessary. The procedure is an outpatient procedure and patients are able to go home the same day.
Wrist Tendonitis Surgery
- Surgery may be recommended if the initial non-surgical treatment options fail to improve symptoms.
- Outpatient procedure- patients are able to go home the same day.
- A small incision is made on the dorsal aspect (back) of the hand by the base of the thumb
- Once the tendon sheath is found, it is released (cut), allowing more space for the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons to move freely, reducing any pressure or friction.
- Any inflamed tissue in the affected area is removed.
- The incision is closed with sutures and covered with a bandage and splint.
Goal of surgery
Release the tight tendon sheath area that has been restricting the tendon movements, and remove any inflamed tissue in the area to create more space for the tendon to move freely.
Who qualifies
Patients with severe cases of tendonitis whose symptoms do not improve after conservative treatments.
Recovery
- 6-8 weeks of recovery
- Stitches are removed in 10-14 days
- Immobilization in a cast or splint
- Physical therapy to strengthen the wrist and thumb and regain range of motion
Complications of surgery
- Infection
- Nerve damage
- Tenderness at incision site
Outcomes
In most cases, surgery successfully improves symptoms of tendonitis in patients whose non-surgical treatments have failed.
