[De Quervain's tenosynovitis. Transversal scar and fixation of the capsular flap]

The authors report 62 cases of De Quervain tenosynovitis treated from 1983 to 1990 by the same surgeon. The de Quervain's tenosynovitis is an inadequation between the volume of the abductor pollicis longus and the extensor pollicis brevis and their tunnel above the radial styloid process producing a mechanical tenosynovitis. This disease occurs mostly in women with an average age of 47 and almost never before the age of 30. Clinically the patients have pain and swelling above the radial styloid process. Most of the surgeons know today this disease, nevertheless complications may occur (Abductor pollicis longus luxation, disgratious enlargement and adhesion of the scar). The transversal incision provides a less disgracious scar. As the tendinous pulley is opened frequent anatomical variations of the tendons are found. A ventral capsular flap fixation with a subcuticular continuous suture is made. This fixation prevents any ventral luxation. Radial nerve neuromas or neuritis is constantly looked for. The authors expose and analyse the statistical data of this intervention's results with a 6 month minimal and 7 years maximal follow up.