Treatment of de Quervain's disease

This study compared the use of a mixed steroid/lidocaine injection alone, an immobilization splint alone, and the simultaneous use of both in improving symptoms in de Quervain's disease. Ninety-three wrists were included in the study, with an average follow-up examination of 13 months. Complete relief of symptoms was noted in 28 of 42 wrists receiving an injection alone, 8 of 14 wrists receiving both an injection and splint, and 7 of 37 wrists receiving a splint alone. No significant difference was noted between the injection alone and injection plus splint groups. A significant difference was seen between the injection alone and splint alone groups and the injection/splint and splint alone groups. Twenty of 45 wrists that underwent operative release demonstrated a septum at the first dorsal compartment. When the need for operative release was used as an outcome result for treatment failure, the injection alone and splint alone groups demonstrated significance. We recommend the use of a mixed steroid/lidocaine injection alone as the initial treatment of choice in this condition. No additional benefit is appreciated by the addition of splint immobilization and, in fact, patients are less restricted with a lower financial burden without its use.