De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis

Question 1

what is de quervains tenosynovitis?

Answer 1

inflamation of the tendon sheeths in the wrist

• abductor pollicus longus
• extensor pollicus brevis

Question 2

what is a cause of de quervains tenosynovitis?

Answer 2

picking up babies and pressure on their thumb -> mummy thumb

Question 3

how does de quervains tenosynovitis present?

Answer 3

Pain, often radiating to the forearm
Aching
Burning
Weakness
Numbness
Tenderness

Question 4

what is the special test to look for de quervains tenosynovitis?

Answer 4

Finkelstein’s test (or maybe Eichhoff’s test) involves the patient making a fist with their thumb inside their fingers. Then, the wrist is adducted (ulnar deviation), causing strain on the APL and EPB tendons.

If this movement causes pain at the radial aspect of the wrist, the test is positive, indicating De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.

Question 5

what is the main management ofdequervains tenosynovitis?

Answer 5

Rest and adapting activities

Using splints to restrict movements

Analgesia (e.g., NSAIDs)

Physiotherapy

Steroid injections

Question 6

what type of surgery can be used to manage de quervains tenosynovitis?

Answer 6

arely, surgery may be required to release (cut) the extensor retinaculum, releasing the pressure and creating more space for the tendons.