TREATMENT OF DE QUERVAINS DISEASE

This study compared the use of a mixed steroid/lidocaine injection alo ne, an immobilization splint alone, and the simultaneous use of both i n improving symptoms in de Quervain's disease. Ninety-three wrists wer e included in the study, with an average follow-up examination of 13 m onths. Complete relief of symptoms was noted in 28 of 42 wrists receiv ing an injection alone, 8 of 14 wrists receiving both an injection and splint, and 7 of 37 wrists receiving a splint alone. No significant d ifference was noted between the injection alone and injection plus spl int groups. A significant difference was seen between the injection al one and splint alone groups and the injection/splint and splint alone groups. Twenty of 45 wrists that under went operative release demonstr ated a septum at the first dorsal compartment. When the need for opera tive 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 i s appreciated by the addition of splint immobilization and, in fact, p atients are less restricted with a lower financial burden without its use.