A simple blind tenolysis for flexor carpi radialis tendinopathy.

BACKGROUND: Flexor carpi radialis (FCR) tendinopathy is an entity with a chronic form (repetitiveness of work) and an acute form (acute overstretching of the wrist). Confirmation of this syndrome can be established by injection of a small amount of a local anesthetic in the sheet of the FCR at this tender point. Complete relieve of the symptoms after injection confirms the existence of a tendinopathy of the FCR. Whereas rest and/or local application of steroids do not have a persistent effect on the short term outcome, a tenolysis could be performed. Before performing a tenolysis underlying causes should be excluded or treated.

METHODS: In this article a simple and save technique is described, using a small Beaver knife to open the osteofibrous tunnel of the flexor carpi radialis tendon, without opening the carpal tunnel.

RESULTS: Relieve of complaints could be reached up to almost two third of all cases.

CONCLUSION: In cases in which non-operative treatment is not effective regarding FCR tendinopathy, a simple blind technique by opening the osteofibrous tunnel could be successful.