De Quervain's Tenosynovitis✅ Flashcards
1
Q
Mechanism of injury of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
A
Cumulative microtrauma –> tenosynovitis of abductor pollicis longus + extensor pollicis brevis (radial side of thumb)
2
Q
Causes of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
A
- Pregnant women –> increase in water content within connective tissue (e.g. extensor retinaculum of hand) –> compress the 2 thumb tendons
- Parents of new born babies –> lots of ulnar deviation, thumb extension and abduction
- The wrist being held in an awkward position in pinching or peeling
- Repeated resistive thumb motion, e.g. cutting with scissors
- Gripping with the fingers and twisting of the wrist, e.g. wringing towels, scrubbing surfaces
3
Q
Special test
A
Finkelstein’s test (flex thumb into palm of hand –> ulnar deviate the wrist)
4
Q
Tx of De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
A
- thumb spica splint (wrist neutral, thumb in opposition, free thumb IPJ)
- Education on modifying your daily activities to avoid the overuse of your thumb and wrist (awkward thumb positioning or forceful gripping / pinching)
- As the pain subsides, start gentle wrist and thumb exercises to prevent stiffness