de quervain's tenosynovitis

Question 1

what is de quervain’s tenosynovitis?

Answer 1

common condition in which sheat contianin gextensor pollicis brevis + abductor pollicis longus tendons is inflamed

typically affects females 30-50yo

Question 2

what are the features of de quervain’s tenosynovitis?

Answer 2

pain on the radial side of the wrist

tenderness over the radial styloid process
abduction of the thumb against resistance is painful

Finkelstein’s test: the examiner pulls the thumb of the patient in ulnar deviation and longitudinal traction. In a patient with tenosynovitis this action causes pain over the radial styloid process and along the length of extensor pollisis brevis and abductor pollicis longus

Question 3

what is the management of de quervain’s tenosynovitis?

Answer 3

analgesia

steroid injection

immobilisation with a thumb splint (spica) may be effective

surgical treatment is sometimes required