About De Quervains Disease
Key Highlights
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Minimally invasive outpatient procedure with a small incision.Highly effective in providing permanent relief from pain and swelling.Restores full range of motion and function to the thumb and wrist.Quick procedure with a relatively short recovery time.Performed under local or regional anesthesia, minimizing systemic risks.Addresses the root cause of tendon constriction for long-term results./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent pain and tenderness at the base of the thumb and wrist.
- Failure to improve after 4-6 weeks of conservative management (splinting, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication).
- Severe pain that significantly limits daily activities, schoolwork, or sports participation.
- A positive Finkelstein's test (pain when thumb is grasped inside a fist and wrist is bent towards the little finger).
- Swelling or a sensation of catching or snapping in the affected tendons.
- Diagnosis confirmed via physical exam and, if needed, ultrasound imaging.
How to prepare
- Complete a thorough medical history review and physical examination with the pediatric orthopedic surgeon.
- Discuss all current medications; some (like blood thinners) may need to be paused.
- Arrange for transportation home after the procedure, as driving will not be possible.
- Follow pre-operative fasting instructions (typically no food or drink for 6-8 hours before surgery if sedation is used).
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing with short sleeves or sleeves that can be easily rolled up.
- Prepare the home environment for one-handed activities during the initial recovery phase.
Risks & possible complications
- Infection at the surgical site.
- Bleeding or hematoma formation.
- Scar tissue formation or minor nerve irritation leading to temporary numbness.
- Incomplete relief of symptoms or recurrence (rare).
- Stiffness in the thumb or wrist, usually temporary with proper therapy.
- Allergic reaction to anesthesia (very rare with local/regional anesthesia).
Recovery & hospital stay
- The hand will be placed in a soft bandage or splint for 1-2 weeks to protect the incision.
- Keep the hand elevated for the first few days to minimize swelling.
- Stitches are typically removed 10-14 days after surgery.
- Gentle finger and thumb motion is encouraged early on to prevent stiffness.
- Formal hand therapy may be recommended to guide strengthening and regain full function.
- A gradual return to normal activities and sports is expected over 4-6 weeks, with full recovery by 2-3 months.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient)
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Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks for normal activities, 8-12 weeks for full strength
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering de quervains disease in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with pediatric orthopedics departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform de quervains disease. MediFyr helps you compare pediatric orthopedics and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for de quervains disease compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 35 Thousand – 75 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient) | ~ 4-6 weeks for normal activities, 8-12 weeks for full strength | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 123 Thousand – 263 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient) | ~ 4-6 weeks for normal activities, 8-12 weeks for full strength | Know More |
Michael Iyer is a 16-year-old avid...
Michael Iyer is a 16-year-old avid gamer and aspiring e-sports competitor. He developed a persistent, sharp pain on the thumb side of his right wrist over several weeks, worsened by long gaming sessions. A popping sensation made it difficult to grip his controller. His parents took him to a pediatric orthopedist, who diagnosed De Quervain's disease, exacerbated by repetitive controller use. Conservative treatment with a thumb spica splint and activity modification provided only temporary relief. The doctor suggested a corticosteroid injection, which helped for a month before symptoms returned. Given his goals, they opted for surgical release. Michael was anxious about downtime affecting his ranking. Surgery was straightforward. He was back to light computer use in a week and, after four weeks of therapy focusing on grip strength, returned to gaming without pain. His journey shifted from frustration and anxiety about his future in gaming to relief and a new commitment to taking stretch breaks and using ergonomic equipment.
Pediatric Orthopedics for De Quervains Disease
Explore experienced pediatric orthopedics who regularly perform de quervains disease and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 14 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 23 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 8 Years Experience
- Pediatric Orthopedics
Manipal Hospital Mukundapur, Kolkata