National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

De Quervain's disease

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I was diagnosed with De Quervain's disease a few years ago. The doctor tried injections which didn't work so he did surgery. But about 4 maybe 5 years later the symptoms are back. My question is.... can it recur after surgery has been done?
Recurrence of symptoms of de Quervain's disease after surgical treatment has been reported.[1] One possible explanation when surgery does not result in a decrease of symptoms is that the initial diagnosis was incorrect.[2] Another possible explanation is that there may have been incomplete release (continued entrapment) during surgery.[3] Failure to recognize and release an additional compartment (most commonly of the extensor pollicis brevis tendon, or EPB) can lead to persistent pain from the EPB remaining entrapped.[4] If repeat cortisone injections do not relieve symptoms, careful surgical re-exploration may allow a previously overlooked tendon to be released.[5]

We are not aware of published reports specifically describing recurrence several years after surgery. However, this does not mean that such cases do not exist. Most series have been unable to identify risk factors for long-term complications.[4]

For information about the long-term outlook associated with de Quervain's disease and possible complications of surgery, read our information about prognosis.

People with persistent or recurring symptoms of de Quervain's disease are encouraged to speak with their medical provider.
Last updated: 4/6/2017

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  1. Rogozinski B, Lourie GM. Dissatisfaction After First Dorsal Compartment Release for de Quervain Tendinopathy. J Hand Surg Am. January, 2016; 41(1):117-119. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26481556.
  2. Huisstede BM, Coert JH, Fridén J, Hoogvliet P. Consensus on a multidisciplinary treatment guideline for de Quervain disease: results from the European HANDGUIDE study. Phys Ther. August, 2014; 94(8):1095-1110. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24700135.
  3. Ta KT, Eidelman D, Thompson JG. Patient satisfaction and outcomes of surgery for deQuervain’s tenosynovitis. J Hand Surg Am. 1999; 24(5):1071-1077. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10509287.
  4. Ilyas AM, Ast M, Schaffer AA, Thoder J. De quervain tenosynovitis of the wrist. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. December, 2007; 15(12):757-764. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18063716.
  5. Meals RA. De Quervain Tenosynovitis. Medscape Reference. July 7, 2016; http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1243387-overview.