Tenosynovitis Excision

If you need a tenosynovitis excision, please Schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists as soon as possible.

What Is Tenosynovitis Excision?

Tenosynovitis refers to the inflammation of the synovial sheath that surrounds a tendon. This condition causes pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint. Although tenosynovitis often affects the hands, wrists, and feet, it can also occur in other areas of the body. The condition may result from repetitive motion, injury, infection, or underlying health issues such as rheumatoid arthritis. When conservative treatments like rest, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy fail to relieve symptoms, doctors may recommend tenosynovitis excision. This surgical procedure removes the inflamed synovial tissue to alleviate pain and improve joint function.

Causes of Tenosynovitis

Several factors can trigger tenosynovitis:

• Repetitive Motion: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive hand or wrist movements, such as typing, assembly work, or certain sports, often lead to overuse of tendons. This repetitive stress can cause inflammation in the synovium.
• Injury or Trauma: A sudden injury or trauma to the tendon can irritate or damage the synovial lining, leading to inflammation.
• Infection: Sometimes, bacteria infect the tendon sheath, causing infectious tenosynovitis.
• Chronic Conditions: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout can increase the likelihood of developing tenosynovitis by contributing to systemic inflammation.

Symptoms of Tenosynovitis

The symptoms of tenosynovitis depend on the location and severity of the inflammation. Common signs include:

• Pain: Pain along the tendon, which worsens with movement or pressure.
• Swelling: Swelling around the affected tendon, particularly in areas such as the wrist, hand, or ankle.
• Stiffness: Difficulty moving the affected joint or tendon due to pain or swelling.
• Redness and Warmth: The area may appear red and feel warm, especially if the condition is caused by an infection.

If left untreated, severe cases of tenosynovitis can lead to tendon damage or permanent loss of joint function.

Tenosynovitis Excision Procedure

Doctors perform tenosynovitis excision to remove the inflamed synovial tissue surrounding the tendon. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain, restore joint function, and prevent further tendon damage. The procedure typically takes place under local or general anesthesia, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient’s health.

The procedure generally follows these steps:

1. Incision: The surgeon makes a small incision near the affected tendon to access the inflamed synovium.
2. Excision: The surgeon removes the inflamed synovial tissue carefully, making sure not to damage the tendon itself.
3. Closure: After excising the tissue, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures and applies a bandage or dressing to protect the area.

In some cases, if the tendon is damaged, the surgeon may perform additional treatments such as tendon repair or debridement.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

After tenosynovitis excision, the surgeon usually immobilizes the affected area in a splint or bandage for a short period. This helps promote proper healing. Doctors typically recommend pain management, which may include prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers during the first few days after surgery.

Physical therapy plays a critical role in rehabilitation. It helps restore the full range of motion and strength in the affected area. The rehabilitation process begins with gentle stretches and gradually progresses to strengthening exercises as healing continues.

Recovery time depends on the surgery’s location and the patient’s overall health. However, most patients can resume normal activities within a few weeks to a few months.

Conclusion

Tenosynovitis excision provides an effective surgical option for patients who have not responded to conservative treatments. By removing the inflamed synovial tissue, the procedure alleviates pain, restores joint function, and prevents further complications.

If you would like to speak to an Orthopedic Specialist, give us a call at 817-697-4038, or contact us over the web. Tele-medicine appointments are also available.