Prevention of Tendon Subluxation in Dequervain's Tenosynovitis Release Using Retinacular Repair

This study compared the incidence of tendon subluxation in patients of a single surgeon undergoing Dequervain's release with and without retinacular repair. The study reviewed 31 patients that underwent standard Dequervain's release without retinacular repair and 49 that underwent Dequervain's release with retinacular repair. Each subject's functional status was assessed using the Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation. Subjects were compared against age, gender, handedness, tendon subluxation, return to work duration, and surgical laterality. Tendon subluxation is an infrequent complication affecting patients undergoing Dequervain's release. This complication has a higher incidence in younger females and demonstrates no predilection for hand dominance. The efficacy of retinacular repair is suggested by good Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation outcome scores and should be considered as an adjunct to prevent tendon subluxation. This is a level 4 study.