Steroid injection versus open surgery in the treatment of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Aim: This study aims to compare steroid injections and open surgery in the treatment of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Materials and Methods: Between January 2013 and April 2015, a total of 82 patients (65 females, 17 males; mean age: 40.3 years; range, 20 to 71 years) who were admitted to were included retrospectively. The patients were assigned into two groups, including Group 1 undergoing open surgery, and Group 2 receiving steroid injections. The rate of recurrence and satisfaction rates were evaluated. The patients undergoing surgery were also evaluated for the wound site infection, nerve injury, wound opening and limited range of motions of the joints. The patients receiving steroid injections were evaluated for subcutaneous atrophy, fat necrosis, weakening or rupture of tendons and depigmentation.
Results: The mean follow-up was 12 months (range, 6 to 22). Recurrence occurred in 8 patients (20%) in the steroid injection group; however, no recurrence was seen in patients undergoing open surgery. Satisfactory or very satisfactory results were achieved in all patients in the surgery group (p=0.04). There were no complications in both groups.
Conclusion: Although steroid injection is a therapeutic option De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, open surgery appears to be a more beneficial method with relatively low recurrence and complication rates.