Excision of aberrant abductor pollicis longus tendon slips for decompression of de Quervain's disease

Release or excision of the first extensor compartment is a commonly performed surgical procedure to treat de Quervain's disease. This technique can potentially cause palmar subluxation of the extensor tendons. The abductor pollicis longus (APL) tendon has multiple slips which can be used as a resource for tendon transfer without loss of function. The technique described in this paper is decompression of the first extensor compartment by excision of an aberrant APL tendon slip without releasing the first extensor compartment. This technique was used in 24 wrists in 21 patients, and outcome assessed. All our patients had relief from pain and tenderness. No patients needed immobilization and none had subluxation of the extensor tendons. Patients without workers' compensation returned to work 15 days after surgery.