Longitudinal incision in surgical release of De Quervain disease

The objective of this paper is to contrast the use of a longitudinal incision in surgical decompression of De Quervain disease with a transverse incision. The advantages are ease in recognition of compartment variations and superficial branches of radial nerve and prevention of palmar tendon subluxation by permitting a more dorsal release of the compartment sheath. Since 2002, we have used a longitudinal skin incision instead of the classic transverse incision to release the first dorsal compartment.