INTRODUCTION: The De Quervain's tenosynovitis is an inadequacy into the first 
extensor compartment between the osteo-fibrous tunnel and the tendons. This 
mechanical conflict generates a tenosynovitis of the extensor pollicis brevis 
and the abductor pollicis longus tendons in first dorsal extensor compartment of 
the wrist.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: The authors report a retrospective study of 20 patients 
who have been treated by a longitudinal surgical approach. The mean age was 49 
years old with a net female predominance. The Finkelstein's test was positive in 
all cases. All patients were treated operatively by incision of the sheath, 
which was sufficient to unwind the dorsal compartment tendons. The sheath palmar 
flap has been sutured with skin (Le Viet plasty) to avoid a further tendons 
luxation.
RESULTS: At three years follow-up, the functional results were good in all the 
patients. However, non-aesthetic scars were noticed in three patients. We did 
not notice neither a case of anesthesia of the radial nerve nor a tendinous 
luxation in our series.
DISCUSSION: The stenosing tenosynovitis of the first dorsal extensor compartment 
of the wrist is a relatively frequent pathology in the young woman. We use a 
longitudinal surgical approach to avoid the radial nerve lesions. Le Viet 
procedure using the palmar flap of the pulley fixed to the dermis works as a 
barrier and maintains the tendons sliding on the radial styloid groove.